PM says Oscar Jenkins may be alive and in Russian captivity

Australia is urgently verifying Russia's assurances that Oscar Jenkins, who went to fight in Ukraine, is still alive and being held by the Russian side. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the government has received reports from Russia that Mr. Jenkins is alive and is requesting further information.

Prime Minister Albanese, in an interview with ABC's Afternoon Briefing, said, "I'm cautious about this and not certain it's true, but that is indeed the statement that the Russian authorities have made to our department. We received this information through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, but we are seeking confirmation." This comes after Mr. Jenkins was previously presumed dead following the emergence of a video showing his capture by Russian forces.

It is understood that Oscar Jenkins, an Australian who was originally a biology teacher, joined the Ukrainian International Legion, fighting alongside experienced commandos. The Russian ambassador has informed that Mr. Jenkins is currently being held in Russia by the Russian armed forces and is in good health. Despite this, the government remains seriously concerned about Mr. Jenkins' situation as a prisoner of war.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated in a statement that Australia has made it clear that Russia has an obligation to treat Mr. Jenkins in accordance with international humanitarian law, including providing humane treatment as he is a prisoner of war. Senator Wong also stated that the government has warned that Australia's response would be "clear" if Mr. Jenkins did not receive the protection he is due. Australia has called for his release by Russia.

Ukrainian authorities fear that Russia will use the issue of Mr. Jenkins' release to exert maximum pressure on Australia. The Australian government is working with the International Committee of the Red Cross to seek access to Mr. Jenkins to verify his safety. Friends who fought alongside the 32-year-old man told ABC they feared he had died soon after his capture last year. Although the capture video only surfaced late last month, Australian authorities reportedly knew of his "disappearance" weeks prior.

The government warned at the time that if Mr. Jenkins was harmed, Australia would retaliate with "the strongest possible action," including potentially expelling the Russian ambassador to Australia. Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, said the news that Mr. Jenkins was alive was "good news," but that the Russian government needed to provide "clear video evidence" of his well-being. He also criticized Russia's delay in confirming Mr. Jenkins' condition and called for his release.

Prime Minister Albanese stated that the government wants to ensure that any updates are first communicated to Mr. Jenkins' family before sharing the information publicly.