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

KYIV, Might 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 responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense towards peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court docket does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and said he would launch a legal attraction.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has identified greater than 10,000 possible battle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in battle crimes while 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 struggle, stands inside a cage during a court docket 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 touch upon the decision. It has previously stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to provide assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a car to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not shocking" and might be the first a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For most other struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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