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

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

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs at the victim's head from an automated weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is against the law against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass box 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 surprised by the sentence because there had been "certain stress from society" and stated he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began only final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read 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 battle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in battle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of war, 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 did not immediately comment on the decision. It has previously mentioned 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 said Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Association, said the decision was "not stunning" and might be the first part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most other battle crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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