Australian PM: Russia Says Captured Australian POW Was Not Executed | WPN World People News

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Russia has conveyed a message through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, claiming that Jenkins is still alive and in custody. The Australian government is currently seeking further confirmation.

Rumors of Jenkins’ capture by Russian forces surfaced before Christmas 2024, when a video emerged showing him being interrogated and beaten by Russian troops. Two weeks ago, Australian media reported that Jenkins had possibly been executed by Russian forces, though this had not been officially confirmed at the time. The Australian government stated that it was in contact with Russia to verify Jenkins’ status and had also requested assistance from the Ukrainian government in the investigation. If the reports were confirmed, Australia would take the “strongest action.”

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Russia to release Jenkins, emphasizing that Australia had made it clear to Russia that under international humanitarian law, it has an obligation to treat all prisoners of war humanely. She warned that if Russia failed to uphold Jenkins' rights under international law, Australia would respond "decisively."

Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko stated that the news of Jenkins’ survival was a positive development for Australia. However, he criticized Russia for refusing to confirm Jenkins' condition for over a month, leaving his family, friends, and the Australian public in distress. He condemned this as a typical act of brutality.