Australia Condemns Russia To Prison Its Citizens For Joint Ukrainian Troops

PHOTO OF ILLUSTRATION/Ukraine Military/PHOTO VIA Instagram @uaf_general_staff

JAKARTA - Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned the 13-year prison sentence handed down by Russian courts to an Australian citizen for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.

Oscar Jenkins, 33, will serve a maximum-security prison sentence after being found guilty by Russian courts for participating in an armed conflict as a mercenaries, a state prosecutor in eastern Ukraine, Russia-controlled on Friday, May 16.

Penny Wong said the Australian government was "shocked by the false trial and the 13-year sentence" handed down to Jenkins, who was previously a teacher in Melbourne.

"As a full member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Jenkins is a prisoner of war," Wong said.

"The Australian government has made it clear to Russia that Jenkins must be given the protection given to him as a prisoner of war. Russia is obliged to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law, including humane treatment," he said.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government would cooperate with Ukraine and the International Red Cross Committee to promote Jenkins' welfare and release.

Jenkins served in the Ukrainian military when he was arrested by Russia last year as a prisoner of war, Australian media reported earlier this year.

Video taken at the time, showing Jenkins wearing a combat uniform, was asked if he was a mercenaries.

Australia is one of the largest non-NATO contributors to Western support for Ukraine and has supplied defense equipment, aid, ammunition and equipment.

Australia bans exports of alumina and aluminum ore, including bauxite, to Russia, and sanctions around 1,000 individuals and Russian entities.