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

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 struggle 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of photographs on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is against the law against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field in the courtroom and showed no emotion as the verdict was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started solely last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international 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 through the invasion and mentioned it has identified greater than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in war crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of battle, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly comment on the verdict. It has beforehand said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a car to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not surprising" and might be the first a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

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

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

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