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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of shots at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime committed is a crime towards peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the court docket doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

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

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

The trial, which began solely last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer told Reuters it may very well be the first of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 potential conflict crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of war, stands inside a cage during a court hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the decision. It has beforehand said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to provide help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov driving a bicycle and talking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

In court last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

The courtroom reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full hearing.

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, said the verdict was "not stunning" and may very well be the primary a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For most other battle crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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