Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned he will take the “strongest action possible” against Russia if reports Australian prisoner of war Oscar Jenkins has been killed are proven.
The 32-year-old former teacher from Melbourne was filmed after having been captured by Russian soldiers last year while overseas fighting for Ukraine.
”We call upon Russia to immediately confirm Oscar Jenkins’ status. We remain gravely concerned,” Albanese said at a press conference today.
“We will await the facts to come out but if there has been any harm caused to Oscar Jenkins, that is absolutely reprehensible and the Australian government will take the strongest action possible.”
Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have spoken with the Russian ambassador to Australia Alexey Pavlovsky to seek more information after 7News yesterday reported unverified claims that Jenkins has died.
Wong said she used the opportunity to reiterate Russia’s obligations under international law — that all prisoners of war have the right to humane treatment and a fair trial.
“There have been a number of discussions with the Russian Ambassador to Australia seeking information about Mr Jenkins’ whereabouts,” Wong told ABC Radio today.
“We have also engaged with the Ukrainian, not only the Ambassador, but we have reached out to the Ukrainian government.”
When asked how she would retaliate if the reports were confirmed, Wong said that “all options are on the table”, including expelling Pavlovsky and recalling Australia’s ambassador to Russia John Geering.
Her department is currently providing consular assistance to Jenkins’ family.
“My thoughts are with Mr Jenkins’ family,” Wong said.
“They’ve lived with the fear and uncertainty of a loved one in the middle of a foreign war for many months.
“I know these reports will be devastating to them, and they are in my thoughts, and I’m sure the thoughts of many Australians.”
