Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that Australia had contacted Moscow about the possible capture by the Russian army of an Australian citizen fighting with Ukrainian forces and that it was looking into the matter.
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the ministry, made the comments at a weekly news briefing in Moscow.
Australian man Oscar Jenkins has been captured by Russia. What happens now?
Photo shows A screenshot of a video showing a man with mud on his face.
This week, a hostage video emerged of captured soldier and Australian man Oscar Jenkins being detained and interrogated by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
Ms Zakharova's remarks appear to be Russia's first public comments on the matter after its ambassador to Australia Alexey Pavlovsky was called into a meeting at DFAT headquarters in Canberra on Monday but declined to comment as he entered and exited the building.
Diplomats are still working to confirm Mr Jenkins's condition and location and are urging Russia to treat him humanely.
At least seven Australians are believed to have died fighting in Ukraine since Russia's invasion began in 2022, but Mr Jenkins is believed to be the first to be captured and held as a prisoner of war.
Reuters/ABC
