Russian soldier jailed for life in first war crimes trial of Ukraine war

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first conflict crimes trial arising from Russia's invasion.

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

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of pictures on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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"Provided that the crime committed is against the law against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass box in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and stated he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer informed Reuters it could possibly 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 recognized more than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special navy 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 Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the decision. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov driving a bicycle and speaking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

In court last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

The court reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full listening to.

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, stated the decision was "not stunning" and might be the primary a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he said. "For most other struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see comparable sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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