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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first warfare 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, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of pictures on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered 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 "certain pressure from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized enchantment.

The trial, which started solely final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage throughout a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not immediately 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 means to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automotive 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 phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

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

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

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For many other conflict crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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