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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first warfare 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. read extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of pictures on the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. read extra

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box 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 as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and stated he would launch a legal attraction.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 doable warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in warfare 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 warfare, stands inside a cage during a court docket 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 beforehand said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to supply assistance.

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

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

In courtroom final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was accountable 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 Association, stated the verdict was "not shocking" and could be the first part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For most other war crimes cases in Ukraine I believe 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, Enhancing by Tomasz Janowski and Frank Jack Daniel

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