Australia summoned the Russian ambassador after reports of a captured soldier’s death

Australia has called in the Russian ambassador following reports that a Melbourne resident was killed after being captured by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday. The Australian government has requested that Russian officials promptly confirm the status of Oscar Jenkins and expressed deep concern regarding the reports of his death, as stated by Albanese during a press briefing.

“We will wait for the facts to emerge. However, if any harm has come to Oscar Jenkins, it is utterly unacceptable, and the Australian government will respond with the utmost severity,” Albanese remarked. When questioned by a journalist about the possibility of expelling the Russian ambassador or recalling Australia’s envoy in Moscow, Albanese indicated that the government would assess its response after verifying the information.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted that Australia has had “a very challenging relationship for many years” with Russia across various administrations. “We will evaluate the facts once they are confirmed, but I want to emphasize that all options remain available,” Wong stated during an interview with ABC Radio on Wednesday. She also mentioned that the foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador earlier this week. Jenkins, a teacher from Melbourne, was reportedly serving with the Ukrainian military when he was captured by Russian forces last year as a prisoner of war. Australian media indicated that a video from that time showed him in combat attire being questioned about his status as a mercenary.