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

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 warfare 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

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of pictures on the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is against the law towards peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court does not see the potential for 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 confirmed 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 surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain pressure from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which began only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer advised 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 greater than 10,000 possible struggle 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 legal guidelines and norms of conflict, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the verdict. It has previously stated 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 said Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automotive to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not shocking" and may very well be the primary a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For many different conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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