Russian soldier jailed for life in first war crimes trial of Ukraine warfare

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first struggle 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. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a crime in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field 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, stated he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "sure pressure from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started solely final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it might be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential battle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of conflict, stands inside a cage during a court listening to, 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 verdict. It has previously said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to offer assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and four 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 phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

In court docket final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

The court docket reached its verdict five days after holding its first full hearing.

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not stunning" and might be the primary 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 stated. "For most different struggle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of that 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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