Photo: Australian foreign fighter Oscar Jenkins has reportedly been killed after being captured by the Russians.
Australia has reacted strongly to reports of the possible death of 32-year-old Oscar Jenkins, an Australian citizen who was taken prisoner during the fighting in Ukraine. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that his government would take the most decisive action if it was confirmed that the Australian had been harmed by the Russian side.
The incident was widely reported after a video was released in December showing Jenkins, a biology teacher from Melbourne, in a military uniform with his hands tied, being interrogated and beaten by Russian forces. Australian officials have expressed deep concern about his fate and demanded that Russia immediately confirm Jenkins’ status.
On 15 January, the Australian television channel ABC reported that Jenkins may have been killed, citing other foreigners fighting on the side of the Ukrainian armed forces. So far, there has been no official confirmation of this information.
Australia’s response underscores the seriousness with which the country takes the safety of its citizens involved in armed conflicts abroad and its willingness to take decisive action in response to any violations of international law.
