Expert Says Australian Captured in Ukraine Was Motivated by Altruism and Adventure, Not Money
Oscar Jenkins is not a mercenary but rather someone driven by a desire to assist Ukraine in defending itself against Russia, as stated by former soldier Glenn Kolomeitz.
A veterans advocate and veteran of conflicts in East Timor and Afghanistan, Glenn Kolomeitz, suggests that Australian Oscar Jenkins, who was initially reported dead but is now confirmed to be alive after allegedly being executed by Russian militia, is unlikely to be a mercenary in the traditional sense.
Kolomeitz, a former military police officer with expertise in international criminal law, has visited Ukraine as part of a team gathering evidence for the prosecutor-general following Russia’s invasion.
Having served as an Australian Air Force operations officer, an Army legal officer and investigations manager, a military prosecutor, and former CEO of the New South Wales Returned Services League (RSL), Kolomeitz has firsthand experience alongside legionnaires in Ukraine who are former military personnel from various countries.
During his time in Ukraine, Kolomeitz encountered numerous Australians in the Legion, all of whom were ex-Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, some of whom participated in pivotal conflicts like the Battle of Hostomel. While Jenkins, an Australian who joined the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine, has not crossed paths with Kolomeitz, the former soldier emphasizes that the entry process for foreign nationals has been stringent.
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Members of Ukraine’s International Legion do not seek personal gain, receiving standard soldier salaries as privates. Despite some advancing to leadership roles, they operate under Ukrainian command or liaison supervision.
Motivation among Legion members varies between altruism, a desire to practice their military skills, and a hint of adventure, according to Kolomeitz. However, for civilians like Jenkins without prior military service, motivations may center on altruism and a sense of adventure.
Kolomeitz strongly clarifies that Legion members are not mercenaries and, if captured by Russian forces, are entitled to protections under international law. Serving as a mercenary violates the 1989 U.N. Mercenary Convention, although Australia is not a signatory.
Contrary to rumors of Jenkins’ demise, Kolomeitz asserts that there is no evidence of Russian troops targeting Legionnaires because of their strategic value in information operations and hybrid warfare tactics.
