Oscar Jenkins, a 33-year-old Australian citizen, has been sentenced to 13 years in a maximum-security penal colony by a Russian-installed court in Luhansk, eastern Ukraine, for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia. Russian prosecutors accused Jenkins of acting as a mercenary, claiming he participated in combat operations from March to December 2024 and received monthly payments between $7,400 and $10,000 for his involvement.
Jenkins, a former teacher from Melbourne, reportedly joined Ukraine’s 402nd Separate Rifle Battalion, part of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade, after arriving in Ukraine in early 2024. He was captured by Russian forces near Mykolaivka in Luhansk Oblast in December 2024, with his detention first publicized through Russian Telegram channels that circulated footage of him in captivity. In the video, Jenkins appeared with his hands bound and was seen being struck during interrogation.
The Russian court, operating under Moscow’s authority and not internationally recognized, found Jenkins guilty of participating in armed conflict as a mercenary, a status which the Kremlin argues excludes him from prisoner-of-war protections under the Geneva Conventions. Russian authorities maintain that foreign nationals fighting for Ukraine under contract are subject to criminal prosecution rather than POW status.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the trial as a “sham” and called for Jenkins to be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law, reiterating that he should be recognized as a prisoner of war. The Australian government has repeatedly pressed for Jenkins’ release, working with Ukraine and the International Committee of the Red Cross to advocate for his welfare. Australia has also summoned the Russian ambassador and continues to demand that Russia adhere to its obligations under international law.
Jenkins’ case has heightened tensions between Australia and Russia, with Canberra labeling the sentence “outrageous” and vowing to continue diplomatic efforts for his release. Australia remains a significant supporter of Ukraine, providing nearly $1 billion in aid and military assistance since 2022.
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