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

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

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several photographs at the victim's head from an automated weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court docket does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field within the courtroom and showed no emotion as the decision was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain pressure from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians in the course of the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 doable battle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special 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 Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not immediately touch upon the verdict. It has previously stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to offer help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers 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 court docket final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible 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, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, said the verdict was "not surprising" and could be the first part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he said. "For many other battle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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