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

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 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

Register

"On condition that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered 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 shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it could be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 doable conflict crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special military 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 docket hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

Read Extra

The Kremlin did not immediately touch upon the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a automobile to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

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

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he stated. "For most other battle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see comparable sentences because this is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.