Australia Verifies Authenticity of Video Showing National Captured by Russian Forces in Ukraine
Australia is working to verify the authenticity of a video that purports to show one of its nationals, 32-year-old Oscar Jenkins, captured by Russian forces while fighting in Ukraine. The video, posted to Russian Telegram accounts, shows Jenkins being questioned in a forested area by another man speaking Russian, who appears to hit him twice across the head.
In the video, Jenkins identifies himself as an Australian and Ukrainian national, and says he is a teacher in China and a student in Australia. He appears to have trouble understanding questions put to him in Russian, and it is unclear whether he was speaking under duress.
The Australian government has confirmed that it is seeking information through the Australian embassy in Moscow to provide support to Jenkins and ascertain the details and facts surrounding his capture. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the news as “concerning” and said the government is working through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide support.
Jenkins’ LinkedIn profile suggests he was a student at Melbourne Grammar School and Monash University, and had worked as a university lecturer in China. Australia has long supported Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces, contributing over $930 million since the invasion began in February 2022.
