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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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 responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Choose Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of pictures at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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"On condition that the crime committed is a crime in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court docket doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "certain pressure from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started solely final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer informed Reuters it could be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 potential battle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin did not immediately touch upon the verdict. It has previously mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to offer assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

In court docket last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and requested the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, mentioned the decision was "not surprising" and might be the primary part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many different struggle crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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