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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court 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, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of pictures on the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court docket doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box within 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 because there had been "certain strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which began solely last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer advised Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians in the course of the invasion and stated it has identified greater than 10,000 attainable conflict crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of conflict, stands inside a cage during a court docket hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly comment on 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 ability to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a car to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the decision was "not shocking" and may very well be the first a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many other conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect 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, Modifying by Tomasz Janowski and Frank Jack Daniel

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