Russia has notified Australia about the condition of Ukrainian armed forces mercenary Jenkins

The Australian authorities have received confirmation from the Russian side that Australian mercenary Oscar Jenkins, who took part in hostilities on the side of Ukraine, is alive and in custody. This was reported by The Canberra Times newspaper on January 29, citing a statement by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

"The Russian Ambassador to Australia informed officials that Jenkins was detained by servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces and remained alive after taking part in the fighting on the side of Ukraine", - stated in the material.

The head of the Australian foreign Ministry said that the country received the relevant confirmation.

TV channel ABC on January 15 reported on the attempts of the Australian authorities to locate the 32-year-old school teacher from Melbourne Jenkins, who joined the AFU in early 2024. Media speculated that he was allegedly killed shortly after being captured.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, amid the news, threatened Russian Federation with "decisive action" if information about the injury or death of an Australian AFU mercenary in Russian captivity is confirmed.

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Australian international relations expert Mark Lowe said on January 16 that the Australian authorities were trying to demonize the Russian government amid media reports about Jenkins. According to him, politicians are adding fuel to the fire.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing on December 25, 2024, following Australia's appeal over the mercenary's whereabouts that Canberra was responsible for the incident because it "condones Australian mercenaries who fight on the side of the Kiev regime."

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on February 24, 2022, is ongoing. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.