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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first war 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, four days after the invasion. read extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several photographs on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

Register

"On condition that the crime dedicated is against the law towards peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court docket doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

The trial, which began only final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it could be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 attainable struggle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas 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 war, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

Read More

The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the decision. It has previously said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

In court docket final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was accountable and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, said the decision was "not shocking" and could be the primary a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For most different struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

Register

Further reporting by Stephanie van den Berg in The Hague, Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Frank Jack Daniel

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.