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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first war crimes trial arising from Russia's invasion.

Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old tank commander, had pleaded guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn more

Choose Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of shots on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is against the law towards peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field in 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 stunned by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began only last week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer instructed Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 potential warfare crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of struggle, stands inside a cage during a courtroom 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 instantly touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers 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 final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not stunning" and could possibly be the first a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most different warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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