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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison 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 guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of photographs on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

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

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

The trial, which began solely final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer instructed Reuters it may very well be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible battle 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 throughout a courtroom 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 said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to provide assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

In court last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, stated the decision was "not surprising" and may very well be the primary a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he stated. "For many different war crimes circumstances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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