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

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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the victim's head from an automated weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime committed is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the verdict 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 "certain strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal appeal.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential conflict crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in war crimes while 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 war, stands inside a cage during 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 decision. It has beforehand said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

In court docket last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was guilty and requested the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not stunning" and could be the primary a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many other struggle crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related 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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