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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison 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. learn more

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots on the victim's head from an automated weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is against the law towards peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field in 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, mentioned he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "sure stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which started only final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer told Reuters it could be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of battle, stands inside a cage throughout 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 didn't immediately touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand 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 said Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov driving a bicycle and speaking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

In court last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was guilty and requested 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 Affiliation, mentioned the decision was "not shocking" and could possibly be the primary part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For most different conflict crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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