Russian Soldier Faces Life in Prison for Alleged War Crime in Ukraine

A Russian soldier facing what would be the first war crimes trial in Ukraine for a Russian service member could be sentenced to life in prison if found guilty.

Ukraine’s prosecutor general alleged in a statement that Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old soldier who is in Ukrainian custody, fatally shot an unarmed 62-year-old civilian in Ukraine’s Sumy region on February 28, according to The Washington Post.

Ukrainian officials have cited evidence that they said showed his “involvement in violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder” and said that he could potentially face life in prison, or a lesser penalty of 10 to 15 years.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

A Russian soldier facing what would be the first war crimes trial in Ukraine for a Russian service members could see up to life in prison if found guilty. Above, a man pushes his bike through mud and debris past a destroyed Russian tank in front of the central train station that was used as a Russian base, on March 30 in Trostyanets in Ukraine’s Sumy region. Chris McGrath/Getty Images