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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first battle 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several shots on the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field in 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, said he was not surprised by the sentence because there had been "certain stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started only final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer informed Reuters it may very well be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 attainable struggle 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 war, stands inside a cage throughout a court hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly 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 potential to offer help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov driving a bicycle and speaking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, said the decision was "not surprising" and could be the first a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many other battle crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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