Australian man Oscar Jenkins, 32, captured by Russian forces while fighting in Ukraine, is feared dead following unconfirmed reports of execution. The Australian government is investigating the reports and has summoned the Russian ambassador. Concerns for Mr. Jenkins' welfare are heightened due to the reported torture and abuse of prisoners of war by Russian forces.
Grave fears are for the life of Australian man Oscar Jenkins as unconfirmed reports emerge he has been executed by Russia n forces following his capture in Ukraine . Mr Jenkins, 32, had been captured by Russia n forces while fighting for Ukraine in the country's Donbas region. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Skynews.com.au the Russia n ambassador had been summoned as it launched an investigation into whether the reports were true.
'The Australian government is making urgent enquiries following reports of Oscar Jenkins’ death. These reports have not been verified, but we continue to have grave concerns for Mr Jenkins’ welfare,' a DFAT spokesperson said. There are grave fears over the life of Australian Oscar Jenkins following the emergence of unconfirmed reports he had been executed in Russia. At the Foreign Minister’s direction, the Russian Ambassador was called into DFAT on 13 January to seek information and reiterate Australia’s expectations that Russia will comply with its obligations under international law. 'The Russian Federation is obligated to treat all prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law.Footage of a captured Mr Jenkins sent shockwaves through Australia when it was posted online just days before Christmas. The visibly tired and shaken 32-year-old struggled to answer questions put to him by a Russian soldier, with the former school teacher also struck repeatedly by his captors during the interrogation. Mr Jenkins was the first Australian reported as captured in Ukraine. If killed, he would be the first to have died after being detained by Russia. Six Australians have died while fighting on the front lines of the conflict.A pro-Russian influencer, known as'Aussie Cossack', had offered himself in exchange for Mr Jenkins, in a move which had the apparent support of deputy of the Russian State Duma Viktor Vodolatsky. Russia's ambassador had already been hauled before DFAT for discussions on the captured Australian, with his summons on Monday likely to escalate tensions further. It is understood that the government remains wary about the potential for Russia to spread misinformation about the status of Mr Jenkins, with DFAT having been given no clear understanding of the 32-year-old's condition by the Kremlin at any point since his capture. There is also greater complexity surrounding the case given Mr Jenkins was enlisted and serving as part of Ukraine's armed forces. In addition, the United Nations has repeatedly called out'systematic' torture and abuse of prisoners of war by Russian forces throughout the war, leading to significant concerns about the 32-year-old's wellbeing while in captivity
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