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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first struggle 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. read more

Choose Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several photographs at the victim's head from an automated weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is against the law towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field 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, stated he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "sure strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began only last week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians during the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 possible conflict 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 legal guidelines and norms of battle, stands inside a cage throughout 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 touch upon the decision. It has previously stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to offer assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a car to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, mentioned the decision was "not surprising" and may very well be the first a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For many other conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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