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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first struggle 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, 4 days after the invasion. learn extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field within 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, mentioned he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and said he would launch a authorized appeal.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 potential war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in war crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of conflict, stands inside a cage during a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the verdict. It has previously stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to offer assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to escape after their column was focused 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 stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was accountable 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, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, mentioned the verdict was "not surprising" and might be the first part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For most other war crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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