New pictures emerge of Oscar Jenkins smiling in military gear prior to capture

Fresh clues have emerged about how a former Melbourne Grammar pupil believed to have been taken as a Russian prisoner of war in Ukraine ended up in the conflict zone.

A Melbourne man believed to have been taken as a Russian prisoner of war in Ukraine was pictured smiling in military uniform with a fellow fighter before his disappearance, as new clues emerge about how the young man ended up in the overseas war zone.

A fresh photo of Oscar Jenkins, 32, shows him alongside a man sporting the insignia of the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine, a branch of the Ukrainian armed forces composed of foreign volunteers.

The ILDU website allows anyone who speaks English, Spanish or Ukrainian to apply to fight in Ukraine in four steps, with no combat experience required.

“Military experience is not required but would increase the chances of being accepted”, the website states.

“Other relevant experiences might include law enforcement, paramilitary organisations, firefighting, etc.”

A new image has emerged of Australian soldier Oscar Jenkins wearing combat gear. Picture: Supplied

ILDU recruits are offered a wage, meaning Mr Jenkins, originally from Toorak in Melbourne’s leafy east, would have been a paid combatant if he joined the conflict through them.

The Herald Sun contacted the ILDU for comment.

It is unclear exactly when Mr Jenkins was captured, as chilling new footage circulating on Chinese media purportedly showed the moment he was taken prisoner.

A man matching his description is seen lying face down on the floor with his hands bound as a soldier rams a rifle into his back.

The Herald Sun has not been able to verify the accuracy of the footage. Mr Jenkins, a teacher and university lecturer, is not believed to have any military background or relevant experience.

He has mainly lived in China since 2015, spending the bulk of that time working at Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College, about 150km southeast of Beijing.

In a now-deleted post to social media, one of Mr Jenkins’ former students posted a picture of them together and said they remembered often seeing him jogging around campus when he wasn’t teaching biology.

How long Oscar Jenkins spent in Ukraine prior to his capture remains unknown. Picture: Supplied

How long Mr Jenkins had spent in Ukraine prior to his capture remains unknown, with friends reportedly concerned about his whereabouts as early as August.

Anthony Albanese refused to confirm when the government was made aware the former Melbourne Grammar pupil was in Ukraine.

“When notification occurs, we take action on behalf of Australian citizens,” the prime minister said on Christmas Eve. “There are security issues involved, with respect, and we make appropriate representations about Australians, but we make this point – that it is a dangerous thing to do, to enter into a war zone in a time of conflict.”

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Australia has provided financial assistance to Ukraine rather than official military support, sending more than $1.5bn to the war-torn nation.

An unknown number of ordinary citizens have also travelled to fight on the front line.

At least seven Australians have been killed fighting, but Mr Jenkins is believed to be the first to be captured.