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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in 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, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of pictures at the victim's head from an automated weapon. learn more

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

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced 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, stated he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started only final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it could be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 potential warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas 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 during 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 didn't immediately touch upon the decision. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov using a bicycle and talking on his cellphone. 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 sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, said the decision was "not shocking" and could be the first a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

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

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

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