MELBOURNE – Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Wednesday his authorities will take the “strongest motion attainable” if Russia has harmed an Australian who was taken prisoner whereas combating for Ukraine.
Video posted on social media in December confirmed Oscar Jenkins, 32, wearing army uniform together with his palms sure being questioned and struck by a Russian interrogator.
Australian authorities had been in search of remark from Russia on reviews that the Melbourne college instructor had been killed since he turned a prisoner of battle.
Albanese stated Australia’s Division of Overseas Affairs and Commerce officers had been in search of “pressing clarification” of Jenkins’ circumstances.
“We name upon Russia to instantly affirm Oscar Jenkins’ standing. We stay gravely involved,” Albanese advised reporters.
“We are going to await the information to return out. But when there was any hurt precipitated to Oscar Jenkins, that’s completely reprehensible. And the Australian authorities will take the strongest motion attainable,” Albanese added.
Jenkins had no earlier army expertise earlier than becoming a member of the Ukraine protection forces early final yr. Whereas different Australians have been killed in fight in Ukraine, none have died in Russian captivity.
Albanese didn’t elaborate on what motion Australia would possibly take if Jenkins has died.
Monash College political scientist Zareh Ghazarian stated the utmost extent of Australia’s response was more likely to be expelling Russia’s ambassador, withdrawing the Australian ambassador from Moscow and imposing extra sanctions in opposition to Russia.
Australia’s army involvement in Ukraine has concerned coaching missions, however no Australian fight troops have been concerned within the battle.
Australia has been some of the beneficiant donors to the Ukraine battle effort exterior NATO.
Three months in the past, Australia introduced it can give Ukraine 49 of its growing older M1A1 Abrams tanks valued at 245 million Australian {dollars} ($152 million).
The tanks introduced the entire worth of Australia’s army help to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion to over AU$1.3 billion ($804 million).
Australian officers questioned Russian Ambassador Alexey Pavlovsky about Jenkins within the Australian capital Canberra on Monday.
The Russian embassy didn’t instantly reply to The Related Press’s request for touch upon Wednesday.
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