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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom 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. learn more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs on the victim's head from an automated weapon. read extra

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"Provided that the crime committed is against the law towards peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box 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 stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer instructed Reuters it could be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and stated it has identified greater than 10,000 doable struggle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas 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 battle, 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 immediately comment on the verdict. It has beforehand said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to provide assistance.

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

In courtroom last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was guilty and requested the sufferer'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 Association, mentioned the verdict was "not shocking" and may very well be the primary part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he said. "For many different warfare crimes circumstances in Ukraine I think we'll see related sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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