Russia jails Australian man for 13 years for fighting on Ukraine's side

PHOTO CAPTION: Illustrative photo — Russian police officers are seen in Moscow, Russia, August 18, 2023. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov

MOSCOW  -  Russia has sentenced an Australian citizen to 13 years in a maximum security prison for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, state prosecutors in a part of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia said on Friday.

Oscar Jenkins, 33, was found guilty by a court of participating in an armed conflict as a mercenary, a statement from the prosecutors said.

The court had ruled that he had taken part in combat operations against Russian troops between March and December 2024.

Australian media reported last year that Jenkins, a teacher from Melbourne, was serving alongside Ukraine's military when he was captured by Russian forces. 

In January, Australia summoned the Russian ambassador over what turned out to be false reports that Jenkins had been killed after being captured by Russia.

 (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Andrew Osborn)