Sergeant asks for forgiveness in Ukraine war trial

A RUSSIAN sergeant on trial for war crimes in Kyiv has said he only shot a civilian after being threatened by his comrades, as he begged for forgiveness from the victim’s wife.

Vadim Shishimarin is facing a life sentence after he admitted killing Oleksandr Shelipov, 62, in the Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb 28.

The 21-year-old tank commander said they came across Mr Shelipov, a tractor driver, after he and several other soldiers hijacked a car and were retreating.

Ivan Maltisev, another captive Russian soldier, told the court “under pressure Vadim fired three or four shots” after they saw Mr Shelipov take out his phone and they feared he would give away their position.

He said Shishimarin hesitated at first and only fired after an unnamed servicemen “yelled to follow orders”.

Confronted by Mr Shelipov’s widow, Kateryna, she asked him: “Tell me what did you feel when you killed my husband? Do you repent this crime?”

Shishimarin replied: “I acknowledge my blame ... I ask you to forgive me.”

The trial continues.