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yesterday

Australian Fighter Sentenced to 13 Years in Russian Prison

Oscar Jenkins, captured in December 2024 while serving with Ukrainian forces, faces a harsh sentence after a Russian-controlled court deemed him a mercenary.

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Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia Penny Wong addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 27, 2024. REUTERS/Kent J. Edwards/File Photo
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Overview

  • Oscar Jenkins, a 33-year-old Australian, was sentenced to 13 years in a Russian maximum-security penal colony for alleged mercenary activity in Ukraine.
  • Russia claims Jenkins fought against its forces from March to December 2024, receiving payments of up to $15,000 per month, an allegation Jenkins has not publicly addressed.
  • Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the trial as a sham, asserting Jenkins is entitled to prisoner-of-war protections under international humanitarian law.
  • Videos of Jenkins in captivity showed him being interrogated, beaten, and appearing frail, raising serious concerns about his treatment and health.
  • The Australian government is collaborating with Ukraine and the International Committee of the Red Cross to advocate for Jenkins's welfare and potential release.