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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court 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, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several shots at the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. read extra

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"Provided that the crime committed is against the law in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass field 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, mentioned he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "certain stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started solely final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians through the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 attainable war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of struggle, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the decision. It has beforehand said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to provide assistance.

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, mentioned the decision was "not stunning" and might be the first a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he said. "For most different war crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see comparable sentences as a result of this 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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