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Friday, Feb 21, 2025
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Australia's Foreign Minister Cautions Against Misinformation Following New Video of POW Oscar Jenkins
Penny Wong highlights concerns over misinformation as fresh video of Australian POW emerges amid calls for Russia to adhere to international norms.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong has responded to the emergence of a previously unseen video of Australian prisoner of war Oscar Jenkins, emphasizing that Russia is 'prone' to disseminating misinformation.
The circumstances surrounding the video, which SBS News has not independently verified, come after the Australian federal government reported earlier this month that Russia informed them regarding Jenkins's status.
Jenkins had been serving in Ukraine’s foreign legion during the ongoing conflict against Russian forces.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked about the video's verification status during an interview with ABC Radio Sydney on Tuesday.
He did not provide a direct answer but indicated that the video appeared to suggest Jenkins was alive.
'This would appear to confirm that,' Albanese stated, while also expressing serious concerns for Jenkins's welfare.
The Prime Minister noted, 'We’ve made it clear to Russia that Mr. Jenkins is a prisoner of war and that there are obligations that kick in in accordance with international humanitarian law, and they must be observed.' Albanese reinforced the federal government's demand for Russia to facilitate Jenkins's release.
Wong elaborated that the Australian government had been aware of the video's existence for several days.
'Russia is very prone to misinformation and disinformation,' she said, advising caution regarding information from Russian sources.
Wong is actively engaging with both Ukraine and the International Committee of the Red Cross concerning Jenkins's situation.
Earlier this month, Albanese raised concerns about Jenkins's welfare during a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, has expressed that Jenkins would be categorized as a prisoner of war by Ukraine, with efforts underway to negotiate his release.
Jenkins is noted as the first Australian combatant reported to have been captured by Russian forces.
The Russian government has stated that foreign nationals fighting for Ukraine may be prosecuted as mercenaries and could face sentences of up to 15 years in prison, a position that raises issues concerning compliance with international law.
The circumstances surrounding the video, which SBS News has not independently verified, come after the Australian federal government reported earlier this month that Russia informed them regarding Jenkins's status.
Jenkins had been serving in Ukraine’s foreign legion during the ongoing conflict against Russian forces.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked about the video's verification status during an interview with ABC Radio Sydney on Tuesday.
He did not provide a direct answer but indicated that the video appeared to suggest Jenkins was alive.
'This would appear to confirm that,' Albanese stated, while also expressing serious concerns for Jenkins's welfare.
The Prime Minister noted, 'We’ve made it clear to Russia that Mr. Jenkins is a prisoner of war and that there are obligations that kick in in accordance with international humanitarian law, and they must be observed.' Albanese reinforced the federal government's demand for Russia to facilitate Jenkins's release.
Wong elaborated that the Australian government had been aware of the video's existence for several days.
'Russia is very prone to misinformation and disinformation,' she said, advising caution regarding information from Russian sources.
Wong is actively engaging with both Ukraine and the International Committee of the Red Cross concerning Jenkins's situation.
Earlier this month, Albanese raised concerns about Jenkins's welfare during a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, has expressed that Jenkins would be categorized as a prisoner of war by Ukraine, with efforts underway to negotiate his release.
Jenkins is noted as the first Australian combatant reported to have been captured by Russian forces.
The Russian government has stated that foreign nationals fighting for Ukraine may be prosecuted as mercenaries and could face sentences of up to 15 years in prison, a position that raises issues concerning compliance with international law.
