The Ukrainian community is overjoyed by reports that Oscar Jenkins, currently being held by russian armed forces, is alive.
What a relief this news must be to his family and friends, who have had a shocking time filled with uncertainty, grief and a sense of powerlessness, particularly over Christmas when Oscar’s capture was first reported.
Putin bears responsibility for their pain.
It should never have taken so long to confirm Oscar was alive. We also remain seriously concerned about how russian armed forces are treating Oscar. russian soldiers have a shocking record in their treatment of prisoners of war – a recent UN report found all interviewed Ukrainian POW had experienced torture including beatings, being subjected to electric shock, and prolonged solitary confinement.
This news about Oscar, which we hope and pray is correct, must also not blind us to russia’s shocking history of abuses and crimes against humanity. Putin is responsible for Russia’s barbaric war in Ukraine, which will enter its fourth year next month. Putin is responsible for shooting down MH-17 a decade ago and the Azerbaijani Airlines plane over Christmas. Putin is responsible for the forced abductions of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children who have been absorbed into russia. We must never forget that he has caused so much pain and suffering, so much death and destruction, and he must one day be held accountable.
The goal now must certainly be on bringing Oscar home and the Ukrainian community in Australia offers our full support to the Government in this effort.
