The Australian government has received confirmation that 32-year-old Oscar Jenkins, who was reportedly killed fighting for Ukraine, is alive, said the country's Foreign Minister Penny Wong. «The Australian government has received confirmation from Russia that Oscar Jenkins is alive and in custody», — she is quoted by the Guardian. The minister also noted that there are still serious concerns about Jenkins' health.
In December, a video appeared on pro-Kremlin channels on social media showing Jenkins in military uniform with bound hands and dirt on his face answering questions in Russian. Meanwhile, a person whose face is not visible hits him on the head. Jenkins states in English and Ukrainian on camera that he is a biology teacher who lived in Australia and Ukraine.
There are few details about Jenkins being in Russian captivity, where he is held, and what the conditions of his detention are. According to The Guardian, the Russian ambassador reported that Jenkins is in custody. He is held on Russian territory, and his health condition is reportedly «normal».
The Australian government is working with Ukraine and the ICRC to gain access to Jenkins for an independent check of his well-being and detention conditions.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, stated that Russia, according to documents, has treated prisoners of war cruelly and killed them, «and also constantly lied on an industrial scale», and cannot be trusted at their word, so now it must «provide final video evidence» that Jenkins is alive.
Penny Wong reported that Australia has made it clear to Russia that Jenkins is a prisoner of war and must be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law, including humane treatment. «If Russia does not provide Jenkins with the protection he is entitled to under international humanitarian law, our response will be unequivocal», — emphasized the head of the Foreign Ministry.
Wong also stated that the Australian government calls on Russia to release Jenkins.