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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom 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 guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn extra

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box 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, said he was not surprised by the sentence because there had been "sure strain from society" and said he would launch a authorized appeal.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 doable war crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Association, stated 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 that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he said. "For many different war crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences because that 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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