The Australian government has been told by Moscow that one of its citizens in Russian captivity is still alive. Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old teacher, was captured last year while fighting for Ukraine.

On 14 January, Australia summoned Russian ambassador Alexey Pavlovsky to answer questions about Mr Jenkins’s status. “The Russian Federation is obligated to treat all prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law,” a spokesperson said in a statement at the time.

Australian citizen Oscar Jenkins, who fought for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, is in Russian captivity, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced.

Australian officials believe Australian soldier Oscar Jenkins, who travelled to fight in defence of Ukraine, is alive and in Russian captivity, rather than dead as had been feared.

A Melbourne school teacher has been confirmed alive two weeks after he was feared killed by Russian forces amid the Ukraine war. Oscar Jenkins, who has no military background, volunteered to fight for Ukraine despite the Australian Government’s plea for citizens not to join the country’s military efforts.

Russian officials have confirmed Oscar Jenkins is alive, Penny Wong has said, ending nearly a month of uncertainty around the captured Australian fighter’s fate.

An Australian national who was reportedly killed after his capture by Russian forces in Ukraine is alive, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Wednesday. “The Australian government has received confirmation from Russia that Oscar Jenkins is alive and in custody,