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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first war 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, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Choose Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several photographs at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn extra

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"Provided that the crime committed is against the law in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the court docket doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass field in 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, mentioned he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and stated he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which began solely final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in war crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of battle, stands inside a cage during 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 touch upon the verdict. It has previously mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply help.

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

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

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

The court reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full listening to.

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not shocking" and could be the primary part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many other battle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar 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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