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

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

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs on the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field 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 stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it might be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians through the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 potential struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of struggle, 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 did not instantly comment on the decision. It has previously said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to offer help.

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, mentioned the decision was "not stunning" and may very well be the primary part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he mentioned. "For many different struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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