The incident occurred in Nikolayev region in which the suspected burglar was injured and had to be hospitalised due to two gunshot wounds.
He gave police the name and address of his alleged shooter, but the latter appeared to have an alibi, 'RIA Novosti' reported.
The police continued looking for the shooter in the village, eventually arriving at the house of the war veteran.
The former officer, having lived alone for many years, initially claimed to have stabbed the thief with a poker. But the policemen smelled gunpowder.
The old man, who has lived alone for many years, then admitted to shooting and surrendered his old revolver.
"The revolver made in 1916 was sent for examination," police said, adding that the circumstances of the suspected burglary and shooting were being investigated.
The veteran will not face strict punishment even if a criminal case is opened.
