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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read more

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a crime in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the court docket doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field within the courtroom and showed 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 stated he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started only last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it might be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians in the course of the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of battle, 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 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 means to supply assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

The court reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full hearing.

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not surprising" and could possibly be the first part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

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