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Penny Wong warns Russia about treatment of Oscar Jenkins

The Australian Government has received a report from Russia that Oscar Jenkins, who travelled to fight for Ukraine, is alive and being held as a prisoner of war.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement if Jenkins does not receive the protections he is entitled to under international humanitarian law, Australia’s response will be “unequivocal”.

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“We have made clear to Russia in Canberra and in Moscow that Mr Jenkins is a prisoner of war and Russia is obligated to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law, including humane treatment,” Wong said.

Oscar Jenkins was working as a biology teacher in Melbourne when he left to fight for Ukraine’s foreign legion in the war against Russia.

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Footage of the 32-year-old being interrogated by Russian forces came to national attention in late December. Soldiers who served alongside him believed he had been killed.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the ABC the government received confirmation from Russian authorities that Jenkins was alive, but he is “reticent to confirm that is the case”.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are seeking further confirmation about Jenkins welfare.

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