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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in 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, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing 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 surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain pressure from society" and said he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started only last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer told Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians through the invasion and stated it has recognized more than 10,000 attainable war crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in struggle 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 battle, 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 immediately comment on the decision. It has beforehand stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to provide assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, mentioned the decision was "not stunning" and may very well be the primary part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For many different war crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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