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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first war 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, 4 days after the invasion. read more

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

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"Given that the crime committed is against the law in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass field within 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, said he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and said he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began solely last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer advised Reuters it might be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 doable conflict crimes. Russia has denied focusing 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 conflict, stands inside a cage during a courtroom listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to supply help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov driving a bicycle and talking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Association, said the verdict was "not stunning" and might be the first a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many other conflict crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences as a result of this 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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