A Ukrainian court convicts a Russian soldier of war crimes and sentences him to life in prison.

Three months after the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, judges in Kyiv on Monday handed down the first guilty verdict for a Russian soldier tried for war crimes.

Sgt. Vadim Shishimarin, 21, was convicted of shooting a 62-year-old civilian, Oleksandr Shelipov, in the region of Sumy in the first days of the war. Sergeant Shishimarin, who had pleaded guilty last week, was sentenced to life in prison.

Judge Serhiy Ahafonov pronounced Sergeant Shishimarin guilty of violating the laws and customs of war and of committing premeditated murder. The verdict can be appealed.

“The defendant admitted his guilt in part, arguing that he had no intention of killing Mr. Shelipov,” said Judge Ahafonov. “The court cannot recognize the sincerity of repentance.”

The verdict represents a milestone in Ukraine’s attempts to hold Russia and its soldiers accountable for atrocities committed in the war. Read more

@nytimes