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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of photographs on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read extra

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"Given that the crime committed is against the law against peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court docket does not see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box in 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, mentioned he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "sure stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began only final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer advised Reuters it could be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has identified more than 10,000 doable war crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of struggle, stands inside a cage during a courtroom 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 instantly touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to offer help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov using a bicycle and speaking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

The court docket reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full hearing.

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Association, stated the decision was "not stunning" and may very well be the primary a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For most different struggle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences as a result of that 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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