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

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 war 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. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several photographs at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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"On condition that the crime committed is a criminal offense against peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field within the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began solely final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it may very well be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 possible conflict crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on the verdict. It has previously said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to offer help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov using a bicycle and talking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

In courtroom final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was accountable and requested the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not surprising" and might be the primary a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For most different battle crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable 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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