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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first struggle 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 extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"Provided that the crime committed is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass field within the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision 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 because there had been "certain pressure from society" and said he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer advised Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 potential conflict crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of war, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket 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 previously said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a car to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

In courtroom final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

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

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most other warfare crimes circumstances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar 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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