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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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 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

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several photographs at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a crime towards peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field within 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 shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain stress from society" and stated he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which started solely last week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer advised Reuters it might be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 doable war crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in war crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special 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 hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the decision. It has previously said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to offer assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov using 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 in charge and requested the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

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

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many different warfare crimes circumstances in Ukraine I think we'll see related sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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