Russian soldier jailed for all times in first conflict crimes trial of Ukraine warfare

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first warfare 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, 4 days after the invasion. learn extra

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

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"Provided that the crime committed is a criminal offense towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision was read 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 authorized enchantment.

The trial, which started solely last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it might be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has identified greater than 10,000 doable war crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in conflict crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage during a court docket hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on the verdict. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov driving a bicycle and talking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, mentioned the verdict was "not surprising" and might be the first a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most different war crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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