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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first war crimes trial arising from Russia's invasion.

Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old tank commander, had pleaded responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass field in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and said he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began only final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer instructed Reuters it could be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 attainable war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas 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 war, stands inside a cage throughout a court hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to offer help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov using a bicycle and speaking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

In court last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was guilty and requested 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 Worldwide Bar Affiliation, said the decision was "not shocking" and could be the primary part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he said. "For many other struggle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I think we'll see related sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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