Australia's captive soldier is on trial in Russia for fighting for Ukraine.

Australia's volunteer Oskar Jenkins, who participated in the war on the side of Ukraine, was accused of mercenarism by Russia. This was reported by Ukraine's ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko. According to him, Jenkins is not a mercenary as he has an official contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Myroshnychenko emphasizes that Jenkins should be treated as a prisoner of war.

The ambassador noted that Russia had previously accused many other foreigners, including journalists, of mercenarism. He added that Ukraine hopes to exchange the captive soldier.

Russian media report that Jenkins fought against the Russian army from March to December 2024 and received a monthly salary of 11-15 thousand dollars.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the country will not abandon Jenkins and will defend his rights.

In December 2024, Russian propagandists circulated a video of Jenkins' interrogation. The video showed how he was brutally interrogated. He is currently held captive in Russia.

The Russian law on the confiscation of property of the convicted also applies to fakes about the Russian army. Recently, several Russian writers and musicians have been sentenced for criticizing the war. Putin signed amendments to the 2012 law on foreign agents. As a result, many independent Russian news agencies and human rights organizations operate outside of Russia.