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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court 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 guilty 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 stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures on the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn extra

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"On condition that the crime committed is a crime against peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the court does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass field 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 shocked by the sentence because there had been "sure strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal appeal.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians in the course of the invasion and mentioned it has identified greater than 10,000 doable warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of struggle, stands inside a cage during a court 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 details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not surprising" and could possibly be the first part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most other struggle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences as a result of this 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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