Russian soldier jailed for life in first war crimes trial

A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first war crimes trial arising from Russia’s invasion.   

Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old tank commander, had pleaded guilty to killing a 62-year-old Ukrainian in the northeastern village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion.   

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a “criminal order” by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots at the victim’s head from an automatic weapon. “Given that the crime committed is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court does not see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence,” he said.   

Shishimarin, was seen wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass box in the courtroom. He stood with his head bowed, listening to a translator. His lawyer Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not surprised by the sentence because there had been “certain pressure from society” adding he would launch a legal appeal.   

The trial, which began last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine. Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 possible war crimes. Russia denies targeting civilians.The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the verdict. It has previously said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to provide assistance.   
KYIV, May 23 Reuters