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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom 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 guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn extra

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

Register

"Given that the crime committed is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field 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, mentioned he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and said he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which began only final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer instructed Reuters it could be the first of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 attainable conflict crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular navy 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

Learn More

The Kremlin did not immediately touch upon the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to provide assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov driving a bicycle and talking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

In court docket final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was to blame and requested the victim'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 Affiliation, said the verdict was "not stunning" and may very well be the first a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most other battle crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see comparable sentences because this is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.