A Russian tank commander has pleaded guilty to shooting dead a 62-year-old civilian man on his bicycle on a village road.
It is Ukraine’s first trial for war crimes committed by Russia during its invasion.
Vadim, Shysimarin, 21, pleaded guilty in Kyiv yesterday. Prosecutors detailed charges, saying he fired his AK-47 at the unarmed man riding a bicycle down a village road, shooting him out of the window of a car in the north-eastern Sumy region in late February, in the first days of the war.
Prosecutors for war crimes have moved exceptionally quickly. It is very unusual that a trial is held while the conflict is still ongoing. It is unprecedented for this to happen within a few weeks of the crime.
Ukraine has made seeking justice a massive priority. Ukraine has been documenting atrocities, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in hopes to hold Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the Russian troops accountable, and delivering justice to the Ukrainian people.
Three judges heard the case, who must reach a unanimous verdict for Shysimarin to be convicted and sentenced, even though he has already pleaded guilty. He faces life in prison.
Testimony from two witnesses will be heard, one being the victim’s wife, and another is a Russian soldier who was in the car with him at the time and was too taken prisoner by Ukrainians. Evidence will also be presented, including the alleged murder weapon.
More than 40 cases for war crimes trials are being prepared by Ukrainian prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova.
Authorities say they have registered more than 10,000 war crimes, including civilian killings, and attacks on hospitals. The toll of war crimes is expected to rise considerably even more, as it has not been possible to count all of the crimes yet.
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