Russian soldier earns life imprisonment for killing civilian in Ukraine

A 21-year-old Russian soldier was on Monday sentenced to life imprisonment for shooting a civilian to death in Ukraine’s first war crimes trial.

The soldier confessed to court in Kiev on Monday that he shot a 62-year-old civilian amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The development was the first case heard in court after the worldwide horror over Russian atrocities in Ukraine which have claimed the lives of several persons.

The shooting reportedly occurred in the village of Chupakhivka in the north-eastern Sumy region.

The soldier, who is from Siberia, told the court that he acted on orders from his superiors.

He apologised during the trial but the prosecution asked for life imprisonment.

The defence argued for acquittal, saying the soldier was carrying out an order.

The sentence will only become final after a possible appeal.

It is possible that the man will be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners in Russia. (NAN)