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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison 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, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box 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 as a result of there had been "certain stress from society" and stated he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which started only last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in warfare 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 conflict, stands inside a cage throughout 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 instantly comment on the decision. It has beforehand stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a car to flee after their column was focused 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 prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

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

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

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

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For most other war crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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