Australia says concerned as video shows citizen captured by Russian forces

Australia said Tuesday it has “serious concerns” for a citizen captured by Russian forces in Ukraine after a video appeared to show him emaciated, weak, and complaining of a broken arm.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had seen the video posted on YouTube of Australian teacher Oscar Jenkins, adding that it “appears to confirm” he is alive.

“We still hold serious concerns for Mr Jenkins’ welfare,” Albanese told public broadcaster ABC.

“We’ve made it clear to Russia that Mr Jenkins is a prisoner of war and that there are obligations that kick in  accordance with international humanitarian law and they must be observed,” he said.

“We have called for Russia to release Mr Jenkins so that he can come home to his family.”

The video appears to show 32-year-old Jenkins dressed in winter camouflage clothing with a green wool hat, seeming uncomfortable as a man behind the camera says it is January 17, 2025.

Jenkins introduces himself and is asked to describe his condition.

“I would like more freedom. I feel a bit weak. I have lost a lot of weight. I have a broken arm still, I think, and my hand is not good,” he says.

The man behind the camera then responded, saying earlier reports about Jenkins’ death were “not right”.

The date and authenticity of the video — uploaded to YouTube more than a week ago — could not be independently verified.

Video first emerged online in December of Jenkins — who fought with Ukrainian forces — being questioned and slapped in the face by a man speaking Russian.

Shortly after, Australian media reported Jenkins had been killed, citing unnamed sources.

Two weeks later, Australia said the Russian authorities had confirmed that Jenkins was still alive and in custody.

Canberra’s relations with Moscow have been tense for years.

Australia opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, condemning it as illegal and immoral.

Ties had already been damaged by the July 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 by a Russian-made missile over eastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 298 people aboard including 38 Australians.