MELBOURNE, Australia — On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia asserted that his government is prepared to take the most stringent measures possible if it is confirmed that Russia has harmed an Australian citizen captured in the conflict in Ukraine.
In December, a video surfaced on social media showing Oscar Jenkins, aged 32, clad in military attire with his hands restrained, being interrogated and struck by a Russian officer. Following these developments, Australian officials have been pursuing comments from the Russian government regarding alarming reports that suggest Jenkins has been killed while in captivity.
Albanese indicated that Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is actively seeking urgent clarification about Jenkins’ situation. “We urge Russia to promptly confirm the status of Oscar Jenkins. Our concerns are severe,” he stated to the press.
“We will wait for the relevant facts to emerge. However, if any harm has come to Oscar Jenkins, it is completely unacceptable. The Australian government will respond with the utmost severity,” he further emphasized.
Jenkins had no prior military experience when he joined the Ukrainian defense forces at the start of last year. While there have been Australians who lost their lives in combat in Ukraine, none have been recorded as fatalities while under Russian control. Albanese did not provide specific details about potential actions that Australia might consider if Jenkins has indeed died.
According to political analyst Zareh Ghazarian from Monash University, the most significant response from Australia might involve expelling the Russian ambassador, withdrawing their own ambassador from Moscow, and enacting further sanctions against Russia.
Leader of the opposition, Peter Dutton, who may assume the role of Prime Minister in elections anticipated by May 17, stated that if it emerges that Jenkins was killed by Russian forces, both the Russian and Australian ambassadors should be expelled. “If it is confirmed that Oscar Jenkins has been slain, the government must act decisively, which should entail pulling back our ambassador and sending the Russian ambassador home,” Dutton said during a press briefing.
“We must convey a firm message to Russia and other regimes with similar views that Australians are precious; they deserve protection from their government. Any actions that harm them, including reports of brutal executions, warrant a strong response from our Prime Minister,” he added.
Australia’s military engagement in Ukraine has been chiefly focused on training operations; there has been no Australian combat troop involvement in the conflict. Nonetheless, Australia stands as one of the largest non-NATO contributors to aid Ukraine during the ongoing war.
Three months prior, Australia had pledged to supply Ukraine with 49 of its older M1A1 Abrams tanks, valued at 245 million Australian dollars (approximately $152 million). This commitment elevated Australia’s total military support to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022 to more than AU$1.3 billion ($804 million).
On Monday, Australian officials held discussions regarding Jenkins with Russian Ambassador Alexey Pavlovsky in Canberra. In response to a request for comments on Wednesday, the Russian Embassy directed inquiries to a press briefing provided by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on December 25.
Zakharova stated that the ministry was in the process of “verifying information concerning the detained Australian citizen,” whom she identified as a “mercenary.” “We will definitely share whatever facts we have, if any,” she assured.
“Concerning the broader situation, captured foreign mercenaries will face accountability. We consistently update you on the crimes committed by these mercenaries and the consequences they face under Russian law, especially when their actions involve atrocities against civilians,” she added.
