Russian soldier who admitted killing a civilian gets life sentence in Ukraine's first war-crimes trial

• A Russian solider was sentenced to life in war crimes trial in Ukraine.
• Vadim Shishimarin, 21 pleaded guilty to killing an unarmed Ukrainian civilian.

A Russian solider was sentenced to life in prison on Monday, concluding Ukraine's first war crimes trial from Russia's invasion of the country.

Tank commander Vadim Shishimarin, 21, pleaded guilty last week to killing an unarmed civilian in Ukraine.

Shishimarin was accused of shooting and killing a 62-year-old unarmed civilian who was on his bicycle Chupakhivka, a village in northeast Ukraine's Sumy region, on February 28.

Shishimarin's trial was held in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. The Associated Press reported the sentencing on Monday.

Shishimarin was confronted by Kateryna Shelipova, the victim's widow, at a hearing last week.

"I acknowledge my blame," he told her. "I ask you to forgive me."

Ukrainian officials have said thousands more cases against Russian solders are open.

Russia denies that its troops have targeted civilians, despite widespread evidence that they have done.