Australian POW Oscar Jenkins Feared Killed by Russian Forces

The Australian government is making “urgent inquiries” with Russian authorities following reports that Melbourne man Oscar Jenkins has been killed by Russian forces, ABC News reported on January 14.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed that the report aired on Seven News, has not yet been verified but expressed “grave concerns for Mr. Jenkins’s welfare.”

Jenkins, a 32-year-old teacher, was serving alongside Ukraine’s Armed Forces when he was captured by Russian forces last year.

The Russian ambassador to Australia was summoned to DFAT at the direction of Foreign Minister Penny Wong to demand information.

“The Russian Federation is obligated to treat all prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the spokesperson stated.

Jenkins is believed to be the first Australian prisoner of war captured in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. At least seven Australians are known to have died fighting in Ukraine.

In December, a video emerged showing Jenkins being interrogated and struck by Russian forces. DFAT became aware of concerns for Jenkins’s welfare in November, following conversations with an American fighter who served alongside him. The American described Jenkins as “a damn good soldier” and expressed deep concern for his safety.

Coalition foreign affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham called for strong measures if reports of Jenkins’s death prove accurate.

“If Russia has engaged in such an egregious and illegal action then it must now be a catalyst for action. Nothing less than the recalling of Australia’s ambassador to Russia and expulsion of Russia’s ambassador to Australia would be sufficient in such circumstances,” Birmingham said.

As a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, Russia is required to ensure the humane treatment of prisoners of war, including protection from violence and mistreatment.

On December 19, a captured Russian soldier revealed that Russian troops had been instructed to execute prisoners of war.