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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several shots at the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened 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, mentioned 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 attraction.

The trial, which began only last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it may very well be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting 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 legal guidelines and norms of struggle, stands inside a cage during a courtroom listening to, 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 stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to escape after their column was targeted 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 mentioned.

In courtroom final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

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

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For most other war crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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