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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom 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, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced 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, stated he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain pressure from society" and stated he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which began only final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it could be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians during the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 attainable struggle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in battle 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 battle, 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 didn't immediately touch upon the decision. It has previously stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was to blame and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not shocking" and could be the primary part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he mentioned. "For most different war crimes circumstances in Ukraine I think we'll see comparable sentences as a result of 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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