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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first warfare 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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime committed is against the law in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and stated he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began only last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer informed Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has recognized more than 10,000 attainable battle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of conflict, stands inside a cage during a courtroom hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not shocking" and could be the primary a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he said. "For most different conflict crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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