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

KYIV, May 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

Register

"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, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box within the courtroom and confirmed 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 shocked by the sentence because there had been "sure strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized appeal.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and stated it has recognized more than 10,000 potential struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in battle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of war, stands inside a cage during a court docket listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

Learn More

The Kremlin didn't immediately touch upon the verdict. It has previously stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to provide assistance.

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, mentioned the decision was "not surprising" and might be the first a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For most different warfare crimes circumstances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences because this is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Ideas.