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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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 responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures on the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is against the law against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box 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, stated he was not surprised by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started only final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it may very well be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 potential battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in battle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of struggle, stands inside a cage during a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, said the decision was "not stunning" and could possibly be the first part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he mentioned. "For most other conflict crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable 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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