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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first battle 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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several shots at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"On condition that the crime committed is a crime 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 grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box in the courtroom and showed 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 as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started solely last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in war crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of struggle, stands inside a cage throughout a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the decision. It has beforehand stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to offer assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automobile to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

In courtroom last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and requested the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not surprising" and might be the primary part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he said. "For most other battle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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