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

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, four days after the invasion. read more

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime committed is against the law in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box within the courtroom and showed no emotion as the verdict was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

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

The trial, which began only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer advised Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible battle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom hearing, 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 decision. It has beforehand said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to provide assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

In courtroom final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, said the decision was "not stunning" and could possibly be the primary a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many different struggle crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see comparable sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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