Official news reports or statements from the Australian government

Russian Forces Capture 32-Year-Old Australian Mercenary Oscar Jenkins in Kramatorsk, Interrogated Amid Prisoner Exchange Talks

Dec 22, 2024, 05:01 PM

Russian forces have captured Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old Australian teacher who was reportedly fighting alongside Ukrainian troops. This marks the first instance of an Australian mercenary being taken alive since the onset of the conflict. Jenkins was apprehended near Kramatorsk, Ukraine, where he was interrogated by Russian soldiers. Video footage has surfaced showing him being paraded and questioned, raising concerns about his treatment. Jenkins, who had previously worked as a teacher in Melbourne, is now being referred to as a mercenary, although some sources suggest he may have been involved in combat as part of Ukraine's foreign legion. The capture has sparked discussions about a potential prisoner exchange involving Jenkins and a pro-Putin activist based in Australia. The incident highlights the ongoing complexities of foreign involvement in the conflict, as well as the risks faced by individuals who join foreign military efforts.