TLDR
Melbourne man Oscar Jenkins, sentenced to 13 years by a Russian court on mercenary charges Australia disputes, has given his first interview since conviction. Australian journalist Mark Lowe filmed Jenkins inside a jail in Russian-occupied Luhansk. Jenkins said he had offered to fight for Russia and defended his decision to join Ukraine's armed forces.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Oscar Jenkins has given his first interview since a Russian court sentenced him to 13 years' imprisonment, filmed inside a jail in Russian-occupied Luhansk by Australian journalist Mark Lowe.[1]
Jenkins, a Melbourne man who travelled to Ukraine in early 2024 to join its regular armed forces, was convicted in May 2026 on charges of acting as a mercenary in an armed conflict.[1] Australia disputes that characterisation entirely.
Jenkins defended his decision to join Ukraine's forces. "It felt like the right thing to do; if a country invades another country, why?" he said.[4]
Jenkins also told Lowe he had written a statement offering to switch sides. "I've written a statement saying that I'd be happy to fight as a soldier for Russia," he said.[4]
The Australian Government condemned the trial as a sham and urged Russia to comply with international humanitarian law.[2] The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade classifies Jenkins as a full serving member of the regular Armed Forces of Ukraine and a prisoner of war.[2]
Article 4 of the Third Geneva Convention entitles members of regular armed forces captured during an international conflict to prisoner-of-war status and its protections.[3] Russia has not recognised that status in Jenkins's case.
Australia's practical options remain limited to consular assistance and advocacy at international forums, with no direct mechanism to compel Russia's compliance.[2]
SOURCES & CITATIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why does Australia say Jenkins is a prisoner of war and not a mercenary?
What can Australia actually do for Jenkins?
What did Jenkins say about fighting for Russia?
Caleb Reed covers breaking news and sport. He works to the rhythm of a story as it unfolds, and he is happiest when the facts arrive faster than anyone can spin them.
