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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots on the victim's head from an automated weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is against the law towards peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court docket does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box within the courtroom and confirmed 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 stunned by the sentence because there had been "certain stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which started only last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer instructed Reuters it may very well be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians in the course of the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 doable conflict crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in war crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of battle, stands inside a cage during a courtroom 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 previously mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to offer help.

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not surprising" and could be the primary a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

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

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

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