'Grave concern' for Australian man reportedly killed by Russian forces

The Australian government is making "urgent enquiries" after reports suggest a man from the city of Melbourne has been killed by Russian forces.

Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old teacher, was captured last year while fighting for Ukraine.

A government spokesperson said the reports of his death have not been verified but there are "grave concerns for Mr Jenkins' welfare".

The Russian ambassador to Australia has been summoned to the country's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to answer questions about Mr Jenkins, a statement said.

"The Russian Federation is obligated to treat all prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law," it added.

Prisoners of War are protected from all acts of violence or intimidation by the Geneva convention.

DFAT said it is providing support to Mr Jenkins' family, who have requested privacy.

Mr Jenkins is one of seven Australians believed to have died fighting in Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022.

However, he is the first thought to have been held as a prisoner of war.

A video surfaced in December last year showing Mr Jenkins, with his hands tied, being hit in the face and questioned by Russian forces.

He explains he is a teacher and also a soldier who lives in both Australia and Ukraine.

They ask him if he is being paid to fight in Ukraine.