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

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 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 more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs at the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime committed is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field in the courtroom and showed no emotion as the verdict was learn 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 "sure stress from society" and stated he would launch a authorized enchantment.

The trial, which started only last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer instructed Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 doable war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin didn't instantly comment on the decision. It has previously stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to provide assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov driving 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 to blame and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, said the verdict was "not surprising" and may very well be the primary a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For many other battle crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences because 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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