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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court 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 guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box within 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, mentioned he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and said he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began only last week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 potential struggle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in war crimes whereas 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 conflict, stands inside a cage throughout a court 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 beforehand said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to provide assistance.

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not stunning" and might be the primary part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he stated. "For many other struggle crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see comparable sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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