A Ukrainian court on Monday sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison for killing an unarmed civilian, in the first war crimes trial stemming from Russia’s February 24 invasion.
Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old tank commander, had pleaded guilty to killing Oleksandr Shelipov62, in the northeastern Ukrainian town of Chupakhivka on February 28, after being ordered to shoot him from a vehicle.
Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, following a “criminal order” from a higher-ranking soldier, fired several shots at the victim’s head with an automatic weapon.
“Since 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, wearing a blue and gray hoodie, silently watched the proceedings from a reinforced glass box in the courtroom and showed no emotion as the verdict was read. He stood with his head bowed, listening to a translator.
Shishmarin’s lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not surprised by the sentence because there was “some pressure from society” and said he would file an appeal.
The trial, which began last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer told Reuters it could be the first of many.
kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and has said that has identified more than 10,000 possible war crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in war crimes while carrying out what it calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine.
The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the verdict. He has previously said that he has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits his ability to provide assistance.
The bar is “too high”
Ukrainian prosecutors said Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.
After entering Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on the phone. According to the prosecution, Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him from reporting his location.
Last week, Shishimarin admitted his guilt and apologized to the victim’s widow.
Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, said the verdict was “not surprising” and could be the first part of “a big puzzle that also involves Ukrainian soldiers detained in Russia.”
“If this is the benchmark trial (…) it sets the bar very high,” he said. “For most other war crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we will see similar sentences because this is the benchmark trial.”
