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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Choose Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several photographs on the victim's head from an automated weapon. read extra

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box 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, said he was not surprised by the sentence because there had been "sure pressure from society" and stated he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started only last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 doable struggle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare 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 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 previously said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned 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 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 final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, stated the decision was "not surprising" and may very well be the first a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he stated. "For most other conflict crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see related sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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