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

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

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures on the victim's head from an automated weapon. learn extra

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"Provided that the crime committed is a criminal offense against peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court docket 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 bolstered 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, mentioned he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and said he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which began only final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it may very well be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians through the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 doable conflict crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes whereas 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 struggle, stands inside a cage during a court docket listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the decision. It has beforehand said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not surprising" and could be the first a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most different struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences as a result of this 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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