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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first conflict 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, 4 days after the invasion. learn extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime committed is a criminal offense towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court docket doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field within the courtroom and showed no emotion as the decision was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and stated he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began solely last week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer advised Reuters it might be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 attainable conflict crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to supply assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not stunning" and might be the first part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For most different battle crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related 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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