A disturbing video has emerged showing what appears to be captured Australian citizen Oscar Jenkins being interrogated while in Russian custody in eastern Ukraine. The 32-year-old Melbourne man had been fighting alongside Ukrainian forces before his apparent capture.
In the video, released through Russian military propaganda channels, Jenkins is shown with his hands bound and face covered in mud while being questioned in both Ukrainian and English. The footage shows him being struck multiple times during the interrogation when not responding quickly enough.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) had been alerted to Jenkins' disappearance weeks before the video surfaced, with his whereabouts unknown for months. A former American soldier who served with Jenkins in Ukraine described him as a selfless fighter dedicated to protecting Ukrainian civilians.
"He was ready to go to the frontline with no armour, no weapon, just there to keep Ukrainians safe," said the American soldier, who uses the call sign "Forrest."
The Australian government has begun diplomatic efforts regarding Jenkins' situation. Russia's ambassador to Australia, Alexey Pavlovsky, was summoned to DFAT headquarters in Canberra for discussions about the case.
Acting Foreign Minister Mark Dreyfus stated that Australia is "making representations to the Russian government" and urged Russia to follow international humanitarian law regarding prisoners of war.
Jenkins, a former teacher who studied at Monash University, is believed to be the first Australian captured as a prisoner of war in the Ukraine conflict. At least seven other Australians have died fighting in Ukraine since Russia's invasion began in 2022.
While Australian authorities work to verify the video's authenticity, Jenkins' family in Melbourne is receiving consular support. The Australian government continues to advise citizens against traveling to Ukraine.