EPAThe Australian authorities has been informed by Moscow that one among its residents in Russian captivity continues to be alive.
Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old instructor, was captured final yr whereas combating for Ukraine.
“The Australian authorities has acquired affirmation from Russia that Oscar Jenkins is alive and in custody,” International Minster Penny Wong mentioned in a press release on Wednesday.
Earlier, there have been experiences that Mr Jenkins had been killed whereas in captivity, with the Australian authorities citing “grave considerations” for his welfare.
“We nonetheless maintain critical considerations for Mr Jenkins as a prisoner of struggle,” Wong’s assertion added.
It additionally known as on Russia to launch him and reiterated Australia’s stance that the Russian Federation was obligated to deal with all prisoners of struggle in accordance with worldwide humanitarian legislation.
Prisoners of struggle are protected against all acts of violence or intimidation by the Geneva conference.
Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had mentioned that the federal government was “urgently searching for” affirmation that Mr Jenkins was alive.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia was quoted by the Australian Broadcasting Company as saying that it was “excellent news” however known as on Moscow to supply “video proof” of his nicely being.
Mr Jenkins is regarded as the primary Australian to have been held as a prisoner of struggle whereas combating for Ukraine.
A video surfaced in December final yr exhibiting Mr Jenkins, along with his fingers tied, being hit within the face and questioned by Russian forces.
He explains he’s a instructor and in addition a soldier who lives in each Australia and Ukraine.
They ask him if he’s being paid to combat in Ukraine.