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,

Australia says Russia has confirmed that national Oscar Jenkins is alive. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had warned of severe consequences if reports he was killed after capture turned out to be true.

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 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.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday Russia has reported Oscar Jenkins is alive and in custody. The Australian man went to Ukraine to fight against Russia's invasion and was feared dead.

Moscow might keep Australian war prisoner Oscar Jenkins for a future high-profile swap with Russians held in jail in the West, an expert says.