Australia Summons Russian Ambassador Over Death of Australian Fighter in Ukraine

Australia Summons Russian Ambassador Over Reports of Australian Fighter's Death

The Australian government has summoned the Russian ambassador to Canberra in response to reports that an Australian man, Oscar Jenkins, has been killed while fighting for Ukraine.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed grave concern over the reports and stated that the government is awaiting confirmation of Jenkins' status from Russian authorities. He emphasized that any harm caused to Jenkins would be "absolutely reprehensible" and that the Australian government would take the strongest possible action.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged the long-standing difficulties in Australia's relationship with Russia and confirmed that all options are on the table in terms of the government's response. She revealed that the Russian ambassador had already been summoned by the foreign ministry earlier in the week.

Jenkins, a teacher from Melbourne, was captured by Russia last year while serving alongside the Ukrainian military. Australian media reports claim that a video taken at the time of his capture shows him in combat uniform being questioned about whether he is a mercenary.

Australia has been a significant non-NATO contributor to Western support for Ukraine, providing aid, ammunition, and defense equipment. The country has also imposed sanctions on approximately 1,000 Russian individuals and entities and banned exports of alumina and aluminum ores, including bauxite, to Russia.