Australia’s government is “making urgent inquiries” with Russian officials after an Australian fighting for Ukraine was reportedly killed in Russian custody.
Oscar Jenkins, from Melbourne, was reportedly captured in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region in December. A video released by a Russian journalist appeared to show Jenkins being interrogated and beaten by Russian soldiers.
The government is “making urgent inquiries following reports of Oscar Jenkins’ death”, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson said. “These reports have not been verified, but we continue to have grave concerns for Mr Jenkins’ welfare.”
“My thoughts are with Mr Jenkins’ family. They’ve lived with a fear and uncertainty of a loved one in the middle of a foreign war for many months,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
A report by 7News yesterday said Jenkins’ body had been found in Ukraine.
DFAT said it had summoned Russia’s ambassador to Australia on Monday to ask for information on Jenkins and reiterate Russia’s obligations to comply with international law.
“The Russian Federation is obligated to treat all prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law,” said a DFAT spokesperson.
Coalition Senate leader Simon Birmingham has called for the expulsion of Russia’s ambassador, saying: “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."
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in December that Australia had contacted Russian officials about Jenkins after the video appearing to show him in custody emerged, but have yet to comment on reports of his death.
“I want to be clear, all options are on the table. Those options include expelling the ambassador and recalling Australia’s ambassador in Russia,” said Wong.
At least seven Australians have reportedly been killed while fighting for Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in 2022. Jenkins would be the first Australian prisoner of war executed since World War II.