Australian PoW Oscar Jenkins may still be alive, Albanese government says
Australia is seeking more details from Russia that Melbourne-born prisoner of war Jenkins may still be alive in Russian captivity, Anthony Albanese says.
The Prime Minister said on Wednesday he had “received that information through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade” and was “seeking confirmation”.
“I am reticent to confirm that is the case, but certainly that has been the statement made by Russian authorities through to our Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials as well, so if that is the case it certainly would be welcome,” he told ABC.
“It is something that we have demanded information on and we are demanding more information so that we can be certain that what has been suggested is in fact the case.”
The Prime Minister he wanted to ensure Mr Jenkin’s family was informed before the government publicly confirmed the news.
Camera IconAn image purporting to show Australian man Oscar Jenkins. Credit: Supplied
Questions have been looming around Mr Jenkins’ fate since footage showing Russian troops interrogating him began circulating on pro-Kremlin social media channels in late December.
In the video, his inability to speak Russian or Ukrainian fluently appears to frustrate his interrogator, who hits him multiple times and repeatedly mocks him and swears at him.
At one point, the Russian asks him: “Do you want to live?”
Mr Jenkins replies: “I want to help Ukraine.”
It is unclear how the 32-year-old Melbourne man went from being a college lecturer in China to a fighter in Ukraine’s International Legion, which is largely made up of ex-soldiers from Kyiv’s Western allies.
Camera IconA new image has emerged of Australian soldier Oscar Jenkins wearing combat gear. Supplied Credit: Supplied
Camera IconAustralian man Oscar Jenkins was captured by Russian forces in Ukraine. Screengrab Credit: Supplied
The video emerged just days after Australia pledged fresh aid to Ukraine and announced the reopening of the embassy in Kyiv.
Canberra has given Kyiv north of $1.5bn worth of support in its fight against invading Russian forces, including munitions and battle tanks.
Responding to initial reports of Mr Jenkins’ death earlier this month, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said “all options are on the table”.
More to come
#Australian #PoW #Oscar #Jenkins #alive #Albanese #government