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

KYIV, Could 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. read extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several photographs at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime committed is a crime towards peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

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

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started only last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 potential battle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes whereas 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 battle, stands inside a cage throughout a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the decision. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to provide assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Association, said the verdict was "not surprising" and could possibly be the first part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he stated. "For most different battle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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