EPAThe Australian authorities has been informed by Moscow that one in all its residents in Russian captivity continues to be alive.
Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old trainer, was captured final yr whereas preventing for Ukraine.
“The Australian authorities has acquired affirmation from Russia that Oscar Jenkins is alive and in custody,” International Minster Penny Wong stated in a press release on Wednesday.
Earlier, there have been stories that Mr Jenkins had been killed whereas in captivity, with the Australian authorities citing “grave considerations” for his welfare.
“We nonetheless maintain severe considerations for Mr Jenkins as a prisoner of struggle,” Wong’s assertion added.
It additionally referred to as on Russia to launch him and reiterated Australia’s stance that the Russian Federation was obligated to deal with all prisoners of struggle in accordance with worldwide humanitarian regulation.
Prisoners of struggle are protected against all acts of violence or intimidation by the Geneva conference.
Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had stated that the federal government was “urgently in search of” affirmation that Mr Jenkins was alive.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia was quoted by the Australian Broadcasting Company as saying that it was “excellent news” however referred to as on Moscow to supply “video proof” of his nicely being.
Mr Jenkins is considered the primary Australian to have been held as a prisoner of struggle whereas preventing for Ukraine.
A video surfaced in December final yr exhibiting Mr Jenkins, along with his fingers tied, being hit within the face and questioned by Russian forces.
He explains he’s a trainer and in addition a soldier who lives in each Australia and Ukraine.
They ask him if he’s being paid to battle in Ukraine.