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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first conflict 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, four days after the invasion. learn more

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime committed is a crime towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box within the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the verdict 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 as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which began only final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it might be the first of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians in the course of the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 attainable battle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on the verdict. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to supply help.

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

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

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and requested the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not surprising" and could be the first a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he stated. "For most different warfare crimes circumstances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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