Australia condemns Russia’s jailing of Melbourne man caught in Ukraine

17/5/2025 12:28

Australia's foreign minister on Saturday condemned a 13-year prison sentence handed by a Russian court to an Australian citizen for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.



Oscar Jenkins will serve the sentence in a maximum security prison after being found guilty by a Russian court of participating in an armed conflict as a mercenary, state prosecutors in a part of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia said on Friday.



Foreign minister Penny Wong said in a statement that Australia's government was "appalled at the sham trial and 13-year sentence" given to Jenkins, previously a teacher in Melbourne.



Wong, a long-time strident critic of Russia's war against Ukraine, said "As a full serving member of the regular Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mr Jenkins is a prisoner of war."



The foreign minister said, "The Australian 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."



She said Australia's government would work with Ukraine and the International Committee of the Red Cross to push for Jenkins' welfare and release.