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Kennedy's relative who fought for Ukraine arrested in absentia in Russia

A relative of Kennedy who fought in Ukraine has been arrested in absentia in Russia.

A Russian court has ruled to arrest in absentia Connor Kennedy, the great-nephew of former US President John F. Kennedy and the son of US Secretary of Health Robert Kennedy Jr., on charges of participating in combat as a mercenary in the Ukrainian armed forces, Bild reported.

According to Connor, he volunteered to go to Ukraine in 2022, despite having no military experience, and joined the International Legion. He spent about two and a half months in northeastern Ukraine, after which he returned to the United States. His family learned about this after his return.

Under Russian law, Kennedy could face a prison sentence of seven to ten years. According to TASS, the defense has already appealed the court decision.

For information, Conor had a short-term relationship with American singer Taylor Swift in 2012. He currently works as a lawyer. In March 2026, he married Brazilian singer Julia Big.

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