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

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 battle 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of pictures at the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. read extra

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

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey 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 stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer instructed Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 doable war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on 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 laws and norms of battle, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly touch upon the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not stunning" and could be the first a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For most different war crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see comparable sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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