Australian Citizen Oscar Jenkins Reportedly Captured by Russian Forces in Ukraine

A video surfaced on social media on December 22, allegedly showing an Australian citizen who appears to have been captured by Russian forces in Ukraine.

In the video, a man identifying himself as 32-year-old Oscar Jenkins from Melbourne is aggressively questioned in Russian with his hands tied.

“I’m Australian,” Jenkins answers in English and Ukrainian “Oscar Jenkins. 32 years old… Live in Australia and Ukraine.”

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the video was first shared by Russian journalist Alexander Sladkov.

The interrogator, positioned behind the camera, is shown striking the captive on the head while demanding information about his identity. Australian authorities have launched an urgent investigation.

“This is concerning news, and we’re working through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide support, including, for this gentleman, trying to ascertain the details and the facts which are there,” Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister told reporters on the morning of December 23.

Previously, an investigation posted by Radio Svoboda on November 28 revealed the presence of a Russian-run filtration camp in Naroulia, Belarus, where Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians, including children, were unlawfully detained and tortured during the initial months of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.