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

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, 4 days after the invasion. read more

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several shots at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. read extra

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"Given that the crime committed is a criminal offense towards peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box within 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 shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and said he would launch a authorized enchantment.

The trial, which started solely final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer told Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential struggle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in battle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to offer help.

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

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

In court docket last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

The courtroom reached its verdict five days after holding its first full listening to.

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, mentioned the verdict was "not shocking" and could be the primary part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he stated. "For many different war crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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