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

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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime committed is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field within the courtroom and showed 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 surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and said he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which started solely last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer advised Reuters it could be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians during the invasion and stated it has recognized more than 10,000 doable battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of conflict, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the verdict. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to provide assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov using a bicycle and speaking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not shocking" and might be the primary part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For most other warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences because this 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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