**Australian Citizen Fighting for Ukraine Allegedly Captured by Russia**
The Australian government is investigating reports that Russian forces have captured an Australian citizen who was fighting for Ukraine. The man, identified as 32-year-old Oscar Jenkins, was seen in a video shared on Russian Telegram channels being violently interrogated.
Jenkins, who claims to be a biology teacher from Melbourne, introduced himself in the video as living in Australia and Ukraine. He stated that he wanted to help Ukraine and was based near Kramatorsk, a Ukrainian city in Donetsk Oblast.
Australian officials have confirmed Jenkins’ identity and are working to confirm his whereabouts and contact Russian authorities. The Australian government has urged Russia to adhere to international humanitarian law and respect prisoners of war.
This incident comes as Russia is believed to be focusing on capturing foreign volunteers fighting for Ukraine, who it presents as “mercenaries” without a right for protection. Many citizens from around the world have come to Ukraine to help resist Russian aggression.
**Other Developments**
A large-scale fire broke out at a Shahed drone warehouse in Russia’s Tatarstan, destroying drone parts worth $16 million. Ukraine’s military intelligence reported that Russian forces suffered 1,990 casualties over the past day.
North Korea is preparing to deploy additional troops and weapons, including kamikaze drones, to aid Russia in its full-scale war against Ukraine. The South Korean military made this announcement on December 23.
BMW discovered irregularities that allowed cars to be transferred to Russia from its branch in Hanover.