Australia has warned of the “strongest possible action” if its citizen is killed in Ukraine Russia-Ukraine war news

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was working to verify reports that a combat volunteer had been killed by Russian forces.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has vowed to take the “toughest possible action” against Russia if it is confirmed that Russian forces killed a Melbourne school teacher held captive in Ukraine.

Albanese made the comments on Wednesday after Seven News reported that Oscar Jenkins, who had volunteered to fight with Ukrainian forces, was believed to have been killed.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it had not confirmed the report, citing unnamed sources in Ukraine, but said officials had “serious concerns” for Jenkins’ welfare.

“We are calling on Russia to immediately confirm the status of Oscar Jenkins, we are deeply concerned,” Albanese told reporters in Tasmania.

“We will wait for the facts to emerge. But if any harm has come to Oscar Jenkins, it is completely reprehensible and the Australian government will take the strongest possible action.”

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong previously said officials were making “urgent inquiries” about Jenkins and that “all options” were being considered in terms of a diplomatic response, including the possible expulsion of the Russian ambassador.

“My thoughts are with Mr Jenkins’ family. They have lived with the fear and uncertainty of a loved one in the middle of a foreign war for months. I know these reports will be devastating for them and they are in my thoughts and I’m sure many Australians,” Wong told ABC Radio.

Wong said Australia has had a “difficult relationship” with Russia for many years. The occupation of Ukraine In 2022 and shooting Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 In 2014, a Russian-made missile killed 298 people, including 38 Australians.

“We have maintained that Australia has maintained diplomatic relations with Russia under various governments during this period. However, we will consider all options once we establish the facts and can verify with Mr. Jenkins what actually happened here,” Wong said.

A video circulated on social media last month showed Jenkins wearing a combat uniform during interrogation and headbutting an unidentified man who spoke Russian.

The 32-year-old is believed to be the first Australian held as a prisoner of war by Russian forces in Ukraine.

At least it doesn’t include Jenkins six are believed to be Australians He has been killed in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian occupation.

If his death is confirmed, Jenkins will be the first Australian POW to be killed by a foreign power since the death of Horace William “Slim” Madden in North Korea in 1951.