On Tuesday, a Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail for murdering an unarmed civilian in the first trial for war crimes stemming from Russia's invasion.
Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old tank commander, admitted to killing Oleksandr Shelipov, 62, in the village of Chupakhivka, northeastern Ukraine, on February 28, four days after the invasion.
Judge Serhiy Agafonov said that Shishimarin, acting out a "criminal order" from a soldier of higher rank, had fired multiple automatic weapon shots at the victim's head.
"Given that the act committed is a crime against peace, security, humanity, and the international legal system," he stated, "the court cannot impose a (less severe) punishment."
Shishimarin, wearing a blue-and-gray hooded sweatshirt, sat in a reinforced glass cage in the courtroom and remained emotionless while the verdict was read out. He listened with his head lowered to a translator.
Shishmarin's attorney, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated that he was not surprised by the sentence because of "some societal pressure" and that he would file an appeal.
An international attorney told Reuters that the trial, which began barely a week ago, could be the first of many.
Kyiv has accused Russia of committing atrocities and brutality against people during the invasion, claiming that it has documented over 10,000 potential war crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or committing war crimes in Ukraine, where it is conducting what it calls a "special military operation."
The Kremlin did not comment on the verdict immediately. It has previously stated that it has no knowledge on the trial and that its capacity to provide help is limited by the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine.
After their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces, Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen, according to Ukrainian state prosecutors, stole a car to flee.
After entering Chupakhivka, the soldiers observed Shelipov riding a bicycle while conversing on the phone. Authorities disclosed Shishimarin was told to eliminate Shelipov to prevent him from revealing their location.
Shishimarin admitted his guilt in court last week and sought the victim's widow for forgiveness.
Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, said that the conviction was "not surprising" and may represent the first piece in a "big puzzle" involving Ukrainian soldiers jailed in Russia.
Meanwhile, legislation is now being developed and courts are being established in Russia to trial some Ukrainian detainees as war criminals.
