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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime committed is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court docket does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box within the courtroom and showed no emotion as the decision was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

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

The trial, which began solely final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer instructed Reuters it could be the first of many. read more

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 attainable battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in warfare 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 war, stands inside a cage throughout a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't immediately touch upon the verdict. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was guilty and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

The court docket reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full hearing.

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

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he mentioned. "For many other battle crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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