Australia threatens ‘strongest action’ against Russia if POW Oscar Jenkins confirmed dead

Oscar Jenkins, an Australian teacher fighting for Ukraine, was reportedly captured and interrogated by Russian soldiers. His status and whereabouts are unknown

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Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old Australian teacher, was fighting with Ukrainian solders. Photo: X/SMO_VZ

Published: 7:13pm, 15 Jan 2025

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday threatened to take “the strongest action possible” if Russia is confirmed to have killed Australian prisoner of war (POW) Oscar Jenkins.

“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,” Albanese told reporters.

He also urged Russia to confirm Jenkins’ status, expressing “grave concern” for the situation.

Jenkins, a 32-year-old teacher, was fighting with Ukrainian forces in the 66th Mechanised Brigade.

The Geneva Conventions protect prisoners of war from all acts of violence or intimidation. In 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin revoked a protocol to protect international armed conflict victims. Russia remains a signatory to the conventions.

In December, a hostage video surfaced online showing Jenkins being interrogated and struck by Russian soldiers in the Eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas. He can be seen with his hands tied behind his back as he is questioned about being a mercenary and how much he is being paid to fight in Ukraine. Jenkins replied that he is a teacher and soldier living both in Ukraine and Australia before being struck across the face.