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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first conflict 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

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of pictures at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime committed is against the law in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court docket does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and stated he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started solely last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer instructed Reuters it might be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and said it has identified greater than 10,000 attainable warfare crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special navy 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 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 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 capability to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not stunning" and might be the primary a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he said. "For most different conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see comparable sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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