Fajarasia.co – A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing a civilian.
It is the first war crimes case in Ukraine to be tried.
Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old tank commander, was found guilty of killing Oleksandr Shelipov, 62, in the Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on February 28, four days after Russia launched its invasion.
Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, who received a “crime order” from his superiors, had shot the victim in the head with an automatic weapon.
“Given that the crimes committed were crimes against peace, security, humanity and the rule of international law… the court does not see the possibility of a shorter sentence,” the judge said.
Shishimarin, who was wearing a blue and gray hooded sweater, watched the trial from the glass room. He didn’t show any expression when the verdict was read out.
He stood with his head bowed during the trial, listening to an interpreter.
The trial, which began last week, has become an important symbol for Ukraine. An international lawyer said other war crimes cases would be heard.
Ukraine accused Russia of carrying out cruel and brutal acts against civilians during the invasion. Kiev says it has identified more than 10,000 alleged war crimes.
Russia denies attacking civilians or engaging in war crimes during its “special military operations” in Ukraine.
The Kremlin has not yet commented on the verdict. They previously said they had no information about the trial and said the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine made it difficult for them to provide assistance.
Ukraine’s public prosecutor said Shishimarin and four other Russian soldiers stole a car to escape after their troops were attacked by Ukrainian soldiers.
After driving to Chupakhivka, the five soldiers saw Shelipov cycling while talking on his cell phone. Shishimarin was then ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent their location from being reported, prosecutors said.
At last week’s trial, Shishimarin admitted his guilt and apologized to the victim’s widow. The court issued the verdict five days after holding the first hearing to hear testimony.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has never handed down a life sentence and the International Criminal Court for the former Yugoslavia has only sentenced six people to life in prison.
Mark Ellis, managing director of the International Bar Association, said the ruling was “not surprising” and could be the first piece in a “big puzzle that also involves Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia”.
“If this were a basic trial… (the trial) would be of a very high standard,” he said.
He expects other war crimes cases in Ukraine to receive similar sentences.***
