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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first war 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

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots on the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is against the law against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box in the courtroom and confirmed 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 shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started solely last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer told Reuters it might be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 possible struggle 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 conflict, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't immediately touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to offer assistance.

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, stated the decision was "not shocking" and may very well be the first a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many other warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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