Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned a 13-year prison sentence handed to an Australian citizen for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Oscar Jenkins, 33, a former teacher from Melbourne, was found guilty by a Russian court of participating in an armed conflict as a mercenary. The Australian government is “appalled at the sham trial and sentence”, according to Wong.
Jenkins was serving with Ukraine’s military when he was captured by Russia last year. Australia has made clear that Jenkins must be treated as a prisoner of war, with protections afforded under international humanitarian law. The government will work with Ukraine and the International Committee of the Red Cross to push for Jenkins’ welfare and release.
Australia has been a vocal critic of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and has imposed significant economic sanctions on Russia, including banning exports of alumina and aluminium ores. The country also sanctioned about 1,000 Russian individuals and entities.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/australia-condemns-russias-jailing-melbourne-man-caught-ukraine-2025-05-17