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

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

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots at the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a crime in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box 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, mentioned he was not surprised by the sentence because there had been "sure strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized enchantment.

The trial, which started only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer told Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has recognized more than 10,000 potential conflict crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in war crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of conflict, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket hearing, 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 verdict. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated 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 saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking 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 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, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, said the verdict was "not surprising" and could possibly be the first part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For many different battle crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see related sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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