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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first battle 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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several photographs on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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"Given that the crime committed is a crime towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box 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, stated he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain pressure from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began solely final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer instructed Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and stated it has identified greater than 10,000 doable battle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in conflict crimes while 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 struggle, stands inside a cage during a court 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 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 provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a automotive to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not surprising" and could be the primary part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he said. "For most other warfare crimes circumstances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences because this 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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