TRANSCRIPT
Australian authorities are scrambling to confirm the facts amidst the reported execution of a Melbourne man who was captured by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine.
Oscar Jenkins came to national attention in late December after video footage emerged appearing to show the legionnaire being interrogated by Russian forces.
The prisoner of war was struck multiple times during this interrogation, appearing visibly shaken and bruised.
(Russian)
JENKINS: "I'm Australian"
(Russian)
JENKINS"My name's Oscar"
(Russian)
JENKINS"Oscar Jenkins"
It's believed the 32-year old biology teacher did not have any military training prior to joining the war in Ukraine.
He was the first Australian captured in the conflict and his alleged execution has sparked swift condemnation at home.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says Australia has been requesting information from the Russian Ambassador and Ukraine's government in recent weeks as it sought to assist Mr Jenkins.
In an interview with ABC Radio, Ms Wong confirmed those efforts are now being stepped up.
"Yes, the Russian ambassador has been called in, including at my direction earlier this week, in relation to Mr Jenkins."
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also weighed in, calling for very firm action against Russia.
"The ambassador should be withdrawn, and that the ambassador here in Australia should be sent packing, and we should send a very clear message to Russia and to other similar minded regimes that Australians sacrosanct, that they deserve to be protected by their government And if they're harmed in this way. And if they're brutally executed as seems to be the suggestion in this case, and we'll wait for confirmation. Then there should be a strong reaction from the Prime Minister."
The President of the Ukrainian Council of New South Wales, Andrew Mencinsky, agrees.
"Russia has lost its place at the table of civilised countries. The Australian government must act with strength, must act with moral clarity, and must act quickly. The Russian ambassador should be deported on the first available flight. All of the diplomats and spies in the Russian embassy should follow, either with him or on the next flight. The Russian consulate in Sydney should also be closed. Now is the time to act."
Mr Mencinsky has pointed to a report from the United Nations which he says shows evidence of systemic torture and abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces.
For his part, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the government is waiting to confirm all the facts before it responds.
"We call on Russia to immediately confirm Oscar Jenkins status, we remain gravely concerned. We will await the fact but if any harm is confirmed we will take the strongest possible action."
