Officials are working to confirm the whereabouts of an Australian man reportedly killed by Russia’s forces while held as a prisoner of war in Ukraine.
Oscar Jenkins, who had been fighting with Ukrainian troops, was seen being interrogated by Russian soldiers in a video posted to Telegram in December.
If his death is confirmed, Jenkins would be the first Australian prisoner-of-war killed in more than 70 years.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government holds “grave concerns” for Jenkins’ welfare.
Oscar Jenkins
Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old Australian teacher, volunteered inas a soldier following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
In December, Alexander Sladkov, a Russian military correspondent for a state broadcaster, posted a video showing Jenkins being interrogated by Russian soldiers.
In the video, Sladkov asked Jenkins, whose hands were bound with duct tape, why he was in a Russian-controlled part of eastern Ukraine.
This week, Seven News reported Jenkins had been killed by Russian captors, citing sources in Ukraine.
In a statement to TDA, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said: “The Australian Government is making urgent enquiries with the Ukrainian Government and the Russian Government following reports of Oscar Jenkins’ death.
“These reports have not been verified but we continue to have grave concerns for Mr Jenkins’ welfare.“
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters that officials have approached Russia’s ambassador about Jenkins.
“We remain gravely concerned,” Albanese said.
“If there has been any harm caused to Oscar Jenkins, that’s absolutely reprehensible.“
told ABC Radio: “My thoughts are with Mr Jenkins’ family. They’ve lived with the fear and uncertainty of a loved one in the middle of a foreign war for many months.”
Coalition
Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Birmingham urged the Government to expel Russia’s ambassador if reports of Jenkins’ death are confirmed.
“If Russia has engaged in such an egregious and illegal action then it must now be a catalyst for action,” Birmingham said in a statement to TDA.
“Nothing less than the recalling of Australia’s ambassador to Russia and expulsion of Russia’s ambassador to Australia would be sufficient in such circumstances.“
