The accused 21-year-old Russian admitted his guilt at the beginning of the trial, local media reported on Wednesday. The tanker is accused of killing a 62-year-old civilian in the Sumy region of north-eastern Ukraine. The start of the trial was broadcast live on the Internet.
The non-commissioned officer from Siberia now faces up to life imprisonment. Russia attacked Ukraine in February. Kyiv also accuses the Russian army based on reports from international human rights organizations massive war crimes. Especially after the Russians withdrew from the suburbs of Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel and Borodjanka northwest of Kyiv, images of apparently executed people caused horror around the world.
Russia has denied the allegations of war crimes in principle and in return accuses Ukraine of mistreating and pressuring Russian prisoners. Human rights activists have repeatedly called on both sides to protect the rights of prisoners of war.
Source: Nachrichten
