The Australian government confirmed on Wednesday that Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old Australian teacher who volunteered to fight for Ukraine, is alive and in Russian custody.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong made the announcement after weeks of uncertainty surrounding Jenkins’ status following his capture by Russian forces in December 2024.
Jenkins, who had no prior military experience, traveled to Ukraine to assist its military during battles in the Donbas region. In December, Russian forces captured him, and shortly after, a video surfaced showing Jenkins bound, interrogated, and struck by a Russian soldier.
The footage sparked grave concerns for his safety, with some reports suggesting he had been killed.
Oscar Jenkins, the Australian merc captured in #Kursk very far from home, spat out an important detail after a clip round the ear. When asked, in somewhat broken English, why he’s there and mention of money, Jenkins replies, “#PrivatBank.” The bank was the focus of intense… https://t.co/BhBCWCrfRv pic.twitter.com/SMmeKTDrCt
— Mining Investor and Geostrategic Affairs Observer (@DShox1) December 24, 2024
The Russian ambassador to Australia stated that Jenkins is in the custody of Russian armed forces and described his health as “normal.”
Wong said the Australian government has made clear to Russia that Jenkins is a prisoner of war and must be treated accordingly. “If Russia does not provide the protections he is entitled to, our response will be unequivocal,” Wong added.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, welcomed the confirmation of Jenkins’ survival but also called on Moscow to provide video evidence and ensure his humane treatment.
