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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court 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 responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several photographs at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is against the law in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court does not 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 box in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer told Reuters it might be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 possible war crimes. Russia has denied targeting 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 laws and norms of battle, stands inside a cage during a courtroom 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 immediately touch upon the decision. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

In court docket last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not shocking" and could be the primary part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he stated. "For many other war crimes circumstances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see comparable 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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