Australia confirms that national Ossie Jenkins is alive. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned of severe consequences if reports that he was killed after being captured were true.
The Australian national, previously reported as deceased following his capture in Ukraine, is alive, according to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Video footage of Oscar Jenkins appearing to be questioned and beaten by Russian soldiers surfaced in December. This was then followed by reports in recent days that he had been killed after being taken into custody.
Russia claims the Australian businessman is alive and being held in custody.
The Australian government has been informed by Russia that Oscar Jenkins is alive and currently in detention," Wong stated, also noting: "We remain deeply concerned about Mr. Jenkins' situation as a prisoner of war.
"The government requests that Russia release Mr. Jenkins," Wong stated.
"If Russia does not guarantee Mr. Jenkins the protections to which he is entitled under international humanitarian law, our response will be unmistakable," she said.
We have consistently informed Russia in Canberra and in Moscow that Mr. Jenkins is a prisoner of war, and as such, Russia is legally bound to provide him with humane treatment in accordance with international humanitarian law.
There is still no confirmation of Jenkins' passing.
Earlier this month, Wong stated that the Australian government was working to verify the report of Jenkins' death.
At the time of the report, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his government "will take the strongest action possible."
Moscow stated it had "no knowledge" of Australia bringing up the specific case with their foreign ministry, but claimed foreigners fighting with Ukraine were considered "legitimate targets" for Russian troops.
"We are well aware that foreign mercenaries are taking part in the conflict in support of the Kyiv regime," Dmitry Peskov stated to reporters, declining to confirm or deny information about a reported death, Jenkins'.