Australia summons Russian ambassador over reports captured soldier killed

15/1/2025 12:33

Australia summoned the Russian ambassador over reports a Melbourne man had been killed after being captured by Russia while fighting for Ukraine, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday.



Albanese said during a media conference, the Australian government had asked Russian authorities to immediately confirm the status of Oscar Jenkins and remained "gravely concerned" over reports that he had been killed.



Albanese said, "We'll await the facts to come out. But if there has been any harm caused to Oscar Jenkins, that's absolutely reprehensible and the Australian government will take the strongest action possible."



When asked by a reporter if Australia would expel the Russian ambassador or recall its envoy in Moscow, Albanese said his government would determine its response after verifying all reports.



Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia had been maintaining "a very difficult relationship for many years" with Russia under different governments.