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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison 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 guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read more

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is against the law against peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field in 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 stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started only final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it could be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has identified greater than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in battle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage throughout a court listening to, 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 mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to provide help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers 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 mentioned.

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not surprising" and might be the primary part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he said. "For many different warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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