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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of shots at the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime committed is a crime in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey 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, said he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain stress from society" and stated he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started solely last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it could be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians in the course of the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 attainable conflict crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in war crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly touch upon 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 capacity to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 different 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 speaking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was to blame and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Association, stated the decision was "not shocking" and might be the primary a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most other struggle crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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