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

KYIV, Might 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 responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said 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 committed is a criminal offense against peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "certain stress from society" and said he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which began solely last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer informed Reuters it might be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 attainable battle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in warfare 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 war, stands inside a cage during 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 instantly comment on the decision. It has beforehand stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

In courtroom last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was accountable and asked 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 Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the decision was "not stunning" and might be the first part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most different battle crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see comparable 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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