Two captured Russian soldiers pleaded guilty on Thursday to war crimes for bombing a town in eastern Ukraine in the second such trial organized by Ukrainian authorities.
In front of the Kotelevska court, in central Ukraine, representatives of the parquet floor demanded sentences of 12 years imprisonment for Alexandre Bobikine and Alexandre Ivanov for violating the laws of war.
The lawyer for the defendants sought a leniency from the judges, saying the two Russian soldiers had simply complied with orders and expressed their remorse.
Alexander Bobikine and Alexander Ivanov, placed in a glass cage, admitted they were part of an artillery unit firing against the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv from Belgorod in Russia.
The lawsuit destroyed an educational institution in Derhachi town, according to the prosecution.
The two soldiers were caught after crossing the border and as they proceeded to throw targets, the prosecution said.
I am fully guilty of the crimes for which I am accused. We fired from Russia against UkraineAlexandre Bobikine told the court, that the proceedings were broadcast live.
Claiming not to be sentenced to the maximum sentence, Alexander Ivanov for his part declared: I repented and asked for a reduction in the sentence.
Judgment is expected on May 31.
A Russian soldier was sentenced to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian, following the first organized war crimes trial in Ukraine since Russia’s offensive began on February 24.
Russia has denied targeting civilians as part of it special military operation.
Many more such trials are expected to take place in Ukraine and in Russia, which have also captured Ukrainian soldiers.
Source: Radio-Canada
