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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom 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. read extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box in the courtroom and showed 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 shocked by the sentence because there had been "sure pressure from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began only final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it might be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 possible battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in struggle 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 warfare, stands inside a cage during a courtroom 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 instantly touch upon the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to supply assistance.

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

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

In courtroom last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was guilty and asked the victim'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 Association, mentioned the decision was "not shocking" and could 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 high," he said. "For most different war crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see comparable sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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