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

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

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several shots on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read more

Register

"Given that the crime committed is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the verdict 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 "sure strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started solely last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer advised Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and stated it has identified greater than 10,000 attainable conflict crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

Learn More

The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the decision. It has previously said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to offer assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, said the decision was "not shocking" and could be the primary 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 stated. "For most different battle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.