Ukraine’s Stark Warning to Australians Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Australia’s government faces challenges as a local man is captured in Ukraine, highlighting the dangers of the conflict.
Oscar Jenkins, Ukraine, Australia, Russia, David Littleproud
Melbourne: Nationals leader David Littleproud has made it clear that “Russians are not our friends” after Oscar Jenkins, a local man, was captured in Ukraine.
Videos of Jenkins being interrogated by Russian forces popped up on social media over the weekend, raising alarms.
It’s still a mystery when the footage was taken, and Australia’s embassy in Moscow is working hard to find out where he is.
Littleproud mentioned that the Australian government is in a tough position. He stressed that this isn’t some grand adventure for Australians to chase in Ukraine.
“It’s a war zone, and bad things can happen. The Russians won’t treat you as a friend, and the government can’t just swoop in and rescue you,” he said.
This news comes right after Australia announced more aid for Ukraine and reopened its embassy in Kyiv.
Australia has provided over $1.5 billion in support to Ukraine, including weapons and tanks, which has landed the country on Russia’s list of “unfriendly countries.”
Littleproud pointed out that there’s “not a lot to negotiate with” to secure Jenkins’ release.
Interestingly, pro-Russia figure Simeon Boikov, who’s been hiding at the Russian consulate in Sydney, has offered himself for a prisoner swap.
Boikov has been in the consulate since he was convicted of assaulting a man at a pro-Ukraine rally a couple of years back.
Littleproud downplayed the chances of Boikov’s swap, saying he’s not really a prisoner but rather avoiding legal issues.
“He’s there of his own choice because he’s running from our laws,” he added.
He urged everyone to give the government space to handle this tricky situation and emphasized that there’s no quick fix for negotiating with Russia.
A Ukrainian security source confirmed that Jenkins was fighting with the International Legion of Defence of Ukraine.
A fellow fighter described him as “very patriotic” and a “great soldier,” but how he got to Ukraine is still unclear.
The interrogation video showed Jenkins struggling with the language, which seemed to frustrate his Russian captors.
At one point, the interrogator asked, “Do you want to live?” to which Jenkins replied, “I want to help Ukraine.”
Acting foreign affairs minister Mark Dreyfus said the government is providing support to Jenkins’ family and is in talks with the Russian government.
He reiterated the government’s advice to Australians: “Do not travel to Ukraine.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also promised to “always look after Australians” after hearing about Jenkins’ situation.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has caused immense suffering, with hundreds of thousands affected and millions displaced.
Australia has welcomed around 11,500 Ukrainians seeking safety.