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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first battle 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 extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court does not see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field in 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 strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which began solely final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer informed Reuters it might be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 doable warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in war crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special military 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 hearing, 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 beforehand 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 stated Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automobile 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 cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Association, said the decision was "not stunning" and could possibly be the primary part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many different battle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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