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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first warfare 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. learn extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense against peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the court does not see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box 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, mentioned he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a authorized enchantment.

The trial, which started only last week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer informed Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has identified greater than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of battle, stands inside a cage during a courtroom hearing, 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 said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was focused 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 stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

In courtroom last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the decision 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 units the bar very high," he said. "For many different conflict crimes instances in Ukraine I believe 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, Modifying by Tomasz Janowski and Frank Jack Daniel

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