Ukraine War: Russian soldier on trial for war crimes admits killing unarmed civilians | World News

A Russian soldier has pleaded guilty to murdering a 62-year-old civilian in northeastern Ukraine during the conflict’s first war crimes trial.

Vadim Shishimarin allegedly shot an unarmed civilian as Russian soldiers drove into the village of Chupakhiva.

He admitted the murder as proceedings were underway on Wednesday in Kyiv district court.

The 21-year-old Russian tank commander could face life in prison.

Russia denies its military has targeted civilians.

Ukrainian state prosecutors say the soldier and four other Russian servicemen shot and stole a private car to escape after their gun pole was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

When they reached Chupakhivka, they saw a resident riding a bicycle and talking on the phone.

They say that Shishimarin was ordered by another soldier to kill civilians to prevent him from reporting the Russian presence.

He fired multiple times through the car’s open window with an assault rifle to the civilian’s head.