Australia has warned that it will take “strongest possible action” against Russia if a Melbourne school teacher, Oscar Jenkins, is confirmed to have been killed by Russian forces while in captivity in Ukraine. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the remarks after reporting that Jenkins was believed to have died. Australian authorities are working to verify the report and officials have expressed “grave concerns” for Jenkins’ welfare.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not yet confirmed the report, but has launched urgent enquiries about Jenkins’ situation. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong stated that officials were considering all options, including expelling the Russian ambassador, in response to the alleged incident.
Jenkins was the first Australian to be held as a prisoner of war by Russian forces in Ukraine. If his death is confirmed, it would mark the first time an Australian has been killed by a foreign power since 1951.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/15/australia-warns-of-strongest-possible-action-if-citizen-killed-in-ukraine