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

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

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

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several shots at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. read extra

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"Given that the crime committed is a crime in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

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

The trial, which started only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer advised Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and stated it has identified more than 10,000 attainable warfare crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of battle, 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 did not immediately comment on the decision. It has beforehand stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, said the verdict was "not shocking" and may very well be the first part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many other 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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Further reporting by Stephanie van den Berg in The Hague, Modifying by Tomasz Janowski and Frank Jack Daniel

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