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

KYIV, May 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 guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of pictures on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime committed is against the law against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field within the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the verdict was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started only last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and said it has identified greater than 10,000 doable war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes while 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 during a courtroom listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the decision. 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 supply assistance.

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

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

In courtroom last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

The court reached its verdict five days after holding its first full listening to.

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not stunning" and could possibly be the first a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For most different battle crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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