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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first struggle 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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several photographs at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime committed is against the law against peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box 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, mentioned he was not surprised by the sentence because there had been "certain stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer told Reuters it may very well be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential warfare crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in conflict 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 warfare, stands inside a cage during a courtroom hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the decision. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, mentioned the verdict was "not stunning" and could possibly be the primary part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

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

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

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