Russian soldier jailed for all times in first warfare 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 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 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 "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime committed is against the law towards peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box 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, said he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain stress from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it may very well be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has identified greater than 10,000 doable war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in battle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular army 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 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 touch upon the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

In court docket final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible 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, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not stunning" and might be the primary part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

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

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