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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first battle 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 extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom does not see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened 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, said he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "sure pressure from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which began solely last week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it could be the first of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws 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 did not instantly touch upon the decision. It has beforehand stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee 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 mentioned.

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, mentioned the verdict was "not stunning" and might be the primary a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many different struggle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of that 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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