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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a crime in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international legal 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 strengthened glass field in 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, said he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which started solely final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it might be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 attainable war crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special navy 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 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 verdict. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov driving 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 in charge and asked 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 International Bar Association, mentioned the verdict 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 that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many other conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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