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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has seen the unverified video of prisoner of war Oscar Jenkins, saying he has “serious concerns” for the Australian’s welfare.
News of — the authenticity of which SBS News has not verified — comes after the federal government earlier this month said Russia had informed them that the .
Jenkins had been fighting for Ukraine’s foreign legion in its war against Russia, and .
Albanese was asked whether the video had been verfied in an interview with ABC Radio Sydney on Tuesday. He did not directly address that, but when asked was it proof Jenkins was alive the prime minister responded: “This would appear to confirm that”.
“I have seen the video, but we still hold serious concerns for Mr Jenkins’ welfare,” Albanese said.
“We’ve made it clear to Russia that Mr Jenkins is a prisoner of war and that there are obligations that kick in in accordance with international humanitarian law and they must be observed.”
He reiterated the federal government’s call for Russia to release Jenkins.
Albanese earlier this month raised Jenkins’ welfare in a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
That came as Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, said Jenkins would be classified as a prisoner of war by Ukraine and the government there would work to negotiate his release.
Jenkins was the first Australian combatant reportedly captured by Russian forces.
Russia has said foreign citizens fighting for Ukraine will be prosecuted as mercenaries and face up to 15 years in jail, which would contravene international law.
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