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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison 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 guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of pictures on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass field in 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, stated he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started only final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer informed Reuters it might be the first of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible war crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while 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 warfare, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket 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 touch upon 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 potential to offer assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his cellphone. 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 victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not surprising" and could be the primary 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 said. "For most other war crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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