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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first battle 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, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read extra

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a crime in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court docket does not see the potential for 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 showed no emotion as the verdict was learn 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 strain from society" and said he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which started solely last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer informed Reuters it could be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has identified greater than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes whereas 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 conflict, 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 did not instantly comment on the decision. It has previously stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

The court docket reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full listening to.

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not stunning" and may very well be the first part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many other struggle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see comparable sentences because this 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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