Russian soldier jailed for life in first struggle 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 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, four days after the invasion. learn more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime committed is a crime in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the verdict was learn 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 said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began solely last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer informed Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 doable warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in warfare 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 war, stands inside a cage during a court docket hearing, 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 previously said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not shocking" and might be the primary a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For most other war crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences because that 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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