Russian soldier jailed for all times in first struggle crimes trial of Ukraine conflict

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. read extra

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

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court docket does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field in the courtroom and confirmed 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 surprised by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and said he would launch a authorized enchantment.

The trial, which began only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it could be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special army operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the decision. It has previously said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to provide help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov using a bicycle and talking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, stated the decision was "not stunning" and might be the primary a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he stated. "For most different conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences as a result of that 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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