Russia labels Oscar Jenkins a ‘mercenary’, not a prisoner of war

Overnights with Phil O'Neil

Phil speaks with Shannon Bosch, Associate Professor of Law at Edith Cowan University, about Russia labeling Oscar Jenkins a ‘mercenary’ instead of a prisoner of war.

Jenkins, a 33-year-old former Melbourne teacher, joined Ukraine’s International Legion in early 2024, answering President Zelensky’s 2022 call for foreign volunteers. Despite no military background, he was accepted—like many of the 20,000 fighters from over 50 countries.

In December, Jenkins was captured by Russian forces in occupied eastern Ukraine. He was accused of being a mercenary in Ukraine’s 66th Mechanised Brigade and, on May 16, sentenced to 13 years in a Russian penal colony.

Professor Bosch explains the complex legal status of foreign fighters: Are they lawful combatants or mercenaries? And what rights do they have if captured?

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