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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within 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 extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field in 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 surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a authorized appeal.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians in the course of the invasion and stated it has recognized more than 10,000 doable warfare crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the verdict. It has beforehand said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to supply help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov using a bicycle and talking 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 guilty and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Association, said the verdict was "not stunning" and could possibly be the primary a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For most different battle 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, Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Frank Jack Daniel

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