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

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 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of pictures at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass box in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the verdict was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which started solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer told Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians in the course of the invasion and stated it has recognized more than 10,000 doable struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in struggle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the verdict. It has previously stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to offer assistance.

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

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

In courtroom final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was to blame and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, said the decision was "not stunning" and may very well be the primary part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many other struggle crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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