Russian soldier jailed for all times in first struggle crimes trial of Ukraine conflict

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first war 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots at the victim's head from an automated weapon. learn extra

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

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field in the courtroom and showed 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 said he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which began solely final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer told Reuters it could be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 potential war crimes. Russia has denied focusing on 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 legal guidelines and norms of struggle, 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 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 means to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a automobile to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov using a bicycle and talking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, mentioned the verdict was "not surprising" and could possibly be the first part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most different battle crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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