**Australia Makes Urgent Inquiries About Volunteer Fighter**
The Australian government is making urgent inquiries about the status of Australian citizen Oscar Jenkins, a volunteer soldier captured by Russia while fighting for Ukraine. Reports have emerged that Jenkins’ body has been found, but officials are yet to confirm his death.
Jenkins, 32, was a teacher from Melbourne who traveled to Ukraine in 2024 to fight alongside Ukrainian forces. He was reported missing in December after being captured by Russian forces. Unconfirmed reports suggest he was executed by his captors.
The Australian Foreign Ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador to “seek information” and urge Moscow to comply with international law. The Geneva Conventions mandate all warring parties to treat prisoners of war (POW) with respect and dignity, while executing POWs is considered a gross violation of international law and a war crime.
If confirmed, this would be the first Australian volunteer fighter executed in Russian captivity during the full-scale war. At least six other Australians are believed to have been killed while fighting on Ukraine’s side.
**Russia Faces International Pressure**
The Ukrainian government has asked for help from Western countries, including Australia, to strengthen its military against Russian aggression. The U.S. and U.K. have imposed sanctions on Russia’s oil industry and shadow fleet, with 65 oil tankers pausing operations worldwide in response.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that the situation is not yet under control and that further action may be needed to prevent future attacks. “Everything I’m seeing at this moment is not nearly enough,” he said.
**Russia Hits Back**
In response to Western sanctions, Russia has attacked Ukraine with 80 Shahed-type drones and various other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) overnight, causing significant damage to an industrial facility in the city of Engels.
The attack on Engels is believed to have been a retaliation for the sanctions imposed by the U.S. and U.K. Russian authorities confirmed that a fire broke out in the city as a result of the drone strike but claimed that it resulted in no significant damage.
**Global Reaction**
The situation is being closely monitored by international leaders, with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine discussing the possibility of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders discussed the situation on the front line and the possibility of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in a phone call on Jan. 13.
The U.S. and European Union have imposed new sanctions on Russia’s financial sector, targeting 140 distinct entities. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that further action may be needed to prevent future attacks by Russia.
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