Russian soldier jailed for life in first battle crimes trial of Ukraine battle

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first conflict crimes trial arising from Russia's invasion.

Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old tank commander, had pleaded guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots at the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a crime in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box within the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "sure strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer informed Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in battle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of war, stands inside a cage throughout a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on the decision. It has previously said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

In courtroom last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

The court docket reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full listening to.

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not shocking" and may very well be the primary a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For many other conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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Additional reporting by Stephanie van den Berg in The Hague, Modifying by Tomasz Janowski and Frank Jack Daniel

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