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

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

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of photographs at the victim's head from an automated weapon. read extra

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"Provided that the crime committed is against the law towards peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court docket doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened 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 "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular army 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 court 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 beforehand stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to supply assistance.

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Association, said the verdict was "not surprising" and may very well be the first part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For most different war crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect 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, Enhancing by Tomasz Janowski and Frank Jack Daniel

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