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

KYIV, Could 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box within the courtroom and showed 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 stunned by the sentence because there had been "certain stress from society" and said he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world 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 during the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential struggle 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 laws and norms of war, stands inside a cage during a court 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 immediately touch upon the verdict. It has previously said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to provide help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not surprising" and could be the first a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many different battle crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of that 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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