A new video has emerged of Australian volunteer warfighter Oscar Jenkins, who was captured by Russian forces while fighting for the Ukrainians.
Jenkins, 32, travelled to join the war effort, but was captured in December last year with initial fears that he had been killed.
However, weeks later, the Australian government was able to confirm Jenkins was alive.
“My name is Oscar Jenkins ... I come from Australia, I’m Australian,” Jenkins said.
He confirms he is a prisoner of war from the 66th mechanised brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“My health, I feel a bit weak, I’ve lost a lot of weight,” Jenkins says about his condition.
“I have a broken arm still, I think. My hand isn’t good.”
A man filming asks Jenkins to confirm that reports of his death are not accurate, to which Jenkins nods and says, “Correct.”
On the video, Jenkins said he would like more freedom.
Australian Foreign Affairs Department Still Concerned About Welfare
A spokesperson for the office of Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the department had serious concerns about Jenkins’ welfare.“Australia has made clear to Russia that Mr. Jenkins is a prisoner of war and Russia is obligated to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the spokesperson told The Epoch Times.
“The government calls on Russia to release Mr. Jenkins.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to provide consular support to his family.
In December, video footage showed Jenkins after he is captured, while being interrogated by Russian handlers.
At the time, there were uncorroborated reports of Jenkin’s death.
Jenkins is the first Australian to be captured as a prisoner of war by Russia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, along with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, had vowed strong action if Jenkins is killed, including expulsion of Russian diplomats.
The Geneva Convention III gives the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) the power to visit prisoners of war in international armed conflicts and, subject to the consent of the parties to the conflict, undertake humanitarian activities for their protection.
The ICRC can also act as a neutral intermediary to facilitate the release or exchange of prisoners of war.
The International Committee of the Red Cross was contacted for comment.
Australians are allowed to fight on behalf of other nations’ official armed forces. At least seven Australians have perished so far in the Russia-Ukraine war.
