Russian soldier jailed for life in first warfare 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 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn more

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of photographs on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime committed is against the law towards peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box in the courtroom and showed no emotion as the decision was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "sure stress from society" and stated he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started solely final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 doable warfare crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of conflict, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly touch upon the verdict. It has previously stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to offer help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov driving a bicycle and speaking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

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

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he said. "For many different battle crimes instances in Ukraine I believe 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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