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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison 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, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of photographs on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened 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, stated he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started solely final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer advised Reuters it might be the first of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 doable battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes while 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 struggle, stands inside a cage during a courtroom listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the verdict. 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 provide assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov using a bicycle and talking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not surprising" and may very well be the primary a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he said. "For most other battle crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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