Russian soldier begs for forgiveness from widow of a Ukrainian civilian he shot dead

A RUSSIAN soldier begged for forgiveness from the widow of a Ukrainian civilian he shot dead yesterday in a dramatic court room exchange.

Baby-faced tank sergeant Vadim Shishimarin, 21, pleaded with Kateryna Shelypova, whose 62-year-old husband Oleksandr at his war crimes trial in Kyiv yesterday.

AFP

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin shot dead a Ukrainian civilian[/caption]

She ordered him: “Tell me what did you feel when you killed my husband? Do you repent of this crime?”

Shishimarin – steering clear of her furious gaze – said: “I admit my guilt. I understand you can’t forgive me. I ask forgiveness.”

But Kateryna went on: “Tell me please, why did you come here? To protect us? From whom? From my husband who you killed?”

Shishimarin faces life in jail after pleading guilty the murder of Oleksandr, who was shot in the village of Chupakhivka, Sumy on February 28 while pushing his bicycle along the road.

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Trials of two other Russian soldiers who have admitted blitzing civilian areas with a multiple rocket launch system also began yesterday.

The UK has sent war crimes experts to help Ukraine with its investigations into atrocities by Russian invaders.

The Foreign Office said the team of experts will support the Ukrainian government in gathering evidence and prosecuting war crimes and include experts in conflict-related sexual violence.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “Russia has brought barbarity to Ukraine and committed vile atrocities, including against women.

“British expertise will help uncover the truth and hold Putin’s regime to account for its actions.

“Justice will be done.”