Oscar Jenkins: Wong says govt ‘appalled’ by Russia’s jail sentence for Australian who joined Ukraine military

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Oscar Jenkins: Wong says govt ‘appalled’ by Russia’s jail sentence for *********** who joined Ukraine military

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says a 13-year sentence handed to *********** man Oscar Jenkins for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces is an outrage.

Russia handed down the sentence on Friday and jailed the Melbourne teacher in a maximum security prison, a statement from the prosecutors said.

Mr Jenkins, 33, was found guilty by a court of taking part in an armed conflict as a mercenary.

The court had ruled he had taken part in combat operations against Russian troops between March and December 2024.

Mr Albanese, speaking in Rome on Saturday night, said the Government would continue to urge Mr Jenkins be released.

“It is a continuation of the way they (Russia) have behaved, abrogating their international responsibilities,” he said.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that “as a full serving member of the regular Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mr Jenkins is a prisoner of war”.

Camera IconOscar Jenkins was serving alongside Ukraine’s military when he was captured by Russian forces. Credit: AAP

“The *********** Government has made clear to Russia that Mr Jenkins must be given the protections afforded to him as a prisoner of war. Russia is obligated to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law, including humane treatment,” Senator Wong said.

“We continue to hold serious concerns for Mr Jenkins. We are working with Ukraine and other partners, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to advocate for his ******** and release.”

*********** media reported in 2024 that Mr Jenkins was serving alongside Ukraine’s military when he was captured by Russian forces.

In January, Australia summoned the Russian ambassador over what turned out to be false reports that Mr Jenkins had been killed after being captured by Russia.

Ukrainian ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko has previously said his government added Mr Jenkins to its list of prisoners of war and would negotiate for his release in an exchange.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said Australia has made representations to Ukraine, including a one-on-one discussion he had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to provide consular support to Mr Jenkins’ family.

– With AAP

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