The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is making “urgent inquiries” following the report Melbourne man Oscar Jenkins has been killed by Russian forces.
Jenkins had been serving alongside Ukraine’s armed forces when he was reportedly captured by Russian soldiers last year and taken as a prisoner of war.
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On Monday, Seven News reported Jenkins, a 32-year-old teacher, had been killed, becoming the first Australian prisoner of war to be put to death in more than 70 years.
The DFAT released a statement saying the report had not been verified and was investigating accordingly.
“The Russian Federation is obligated to treat all prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the spokesperson said.
“DFAT is continuing to provide consular support to Mr Jenkins’s family during this difficult time.
“His family has requested privacy and we ask that media respect their wishes.”
Jenkins had been serving in Ukraine’s 66th Mechanised Unit in Kramatorsk, Donetsk, when Russian forces took him prisoner.
A video taken at the time showed Jenkins speaking English and Ukrainian, confirming his name and nationality, and being asked if he was a mercenary.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, at least seven Australians are believed to have died while fighting, but Jenkins is believed to be the first captured and held as a prisoner of war.