Australian Government Investigates Reports of Teacher’s Death
The Australian government is making urgent enquiries about a man from Melbourne who may have been killed by Russian forces.
Oscar Jenkins, 32, was captured last year while fighting for Ukraine. The reports of his death are not verified yet, but the government has “grave concerns” for his welfare.
A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said that they have summoned the Russian ambassador to answer questions about Mr. Jenkins’ situation.
The Australian government is reminding Russia that it must treat all prisoners of war according to international law. The Geneva convention protects prisoners from violence or intimidation.
Mr. Jenkins’ family has requested privacy, but DFAT is providing them with support.
This is not the first time an Australian has died fighting in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022. However, Mr. Jenkins may be the first to have been held as a prisoner of war.
A video from last year showed Mr. Jenkins being questioned and hit by Russian forces. He explained that he was a teacher and also a soldier who lived in both Australia and Ukraine.