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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read more

Decide 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 automated weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a crime towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass box 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, said he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and said he would launch a authorized enchantment.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and stated it has recognized more than 10,000 possible battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on 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 laws and norms of war, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket 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 instantly comment on the verdict. It has beforehand said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to supply 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 saw Shelipov using 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 final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was accountable and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, said the verdict was "not shocking" and might be the primary part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For many other battle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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