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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first war 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. read more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"Given that the crime committed is a crime in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field 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 shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began solely last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer instructed Reuters it might be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 attainable warfare crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes while 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 war, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom 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 immediately 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 skill to offer assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned 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 using a bicycle and talking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not surprising" and could be the first a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For many other struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar 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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