Australia’s Prime Minister demands Russia explain what happened to Australian POW

Australian prime minister urges Russia to explain situation of Australian Prisoners of War fighting for Ukraine in the Russia Ukraine war.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) his government will take the “strongest action possible” if Russia has harmed an Australian who was taken prisoner while fighting for Ukraine.

Video posted on social media in December showed Oscar Jenkins, 32, dressed in a military uniform with his hands bound being questioned and struck by a Russian interrogator.

Australian authorities were seeking comment from Russia on reports that the Melbourne school teacher had been killed since he became a prisoner of war.

Mr. Albanese said Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials were seeking “urgent clarification” of Jenkins’ circumstances.

“We call upon Russia to immediately confirm Oscar Jenkins’ status. We remain gravely concerned,” Mr. Albanese told reporters.

“We will await the facts to come out. But if there has been any harm caused to Oscar Jenkins, that is absolutely reprehensible. And the Australian government will take the strongest action possible,” Mr. Albanese added.

Jenkins had no previous military experience before joining the Ukraine defense forces early last year. While other Australians have been killed in combat in Ukraine, none has died in Russian captivity.