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

KYIV, May 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 responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn more

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

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass field in the courtroom and showed 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 shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which started solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer advised Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians through the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 doable battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in battle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of war, stands inside a cage throughout 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 didn't immediately comment on the decision. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to offer assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

In courtroom last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was guilty and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, said the verdict was "not shocking" and may very well be the first a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

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