Australia is seeking urgent clarification on the status of its citizen Oscar Jenkins, a volunteer soldier captured by Russia while fighting for Ukraine. Reports suggest that his body has been found and he was likely executed by Russian captors.
The Australian government has summoned the Russian ambassador to seek information about Jenkins’ fate and urge Moscow to comply with international law. The Geneva Conventions mandate humane treatment of prisoners of war, and executing them is considered a serious breach of human rights.
Jenkins, 32, a biology teacher from Melbourne who traveled to Ukraine in 2022, was reportedly captured by Russian forces in December. A video surfaced showing him being interrogated by captors, but the circumstances of his capture and death remain unclear.
If confirmed, Jenkins’ execution would be the first recorded case of an Australian volunteer fighter being killed by Russia during the conflict. At least six other Australians are believed to have been killed while fighting on Ukraine’s side.
Source: https://kyivindependent.com/australia-making-urgent-inquiries-about-volunteer-fighter