An Australian national who was reportedly killed after his capture by Russian forces in Ukraine is alive, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Wednesday.
“The Australian government has received confirmation from Russia that Oscar Jenkins is alive and in custody,” she said in a statement.
“We still hold serious concerns for Mr. Jenkins as a prisoner of war.”
A video emerged in December of Jenkins — who fought with Ukrainian forces — being questioned and slapped in the face by a man speaking Russian.
“The government calls on Russia to release Mr. Jenkins,” Wong said. “If Russia does not provide Mr Jenkins the protections he is entitled to under international humanitarian law, our response will be unequivocal.”
“We have made clear to Russia in Canberra and in Moscow that Mr. Jenkins is a prisoner of war and Russia is obligated to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law, including humane treatment.”
Wong also said she had discussed the matter directly with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga.
Earlier this month, Wong said the Australian government was working to confirm a report of Jenkins' killing.
She said at the time she had summoned Russia's ambassador to Australia, warning that “all options” were on the table for the government's response.
Canberra's relations with Moscow have been tense for years.
Australia opposed Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, condemning it as illegal and immoral.
Ties were also hit by the July 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 by a Russian-made missile over eastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 298 people aboard including 38 Australians.
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