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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within 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, four days after the invasion. read more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of shots at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense against peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom does not see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box 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, stated he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 attainable conflict crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on 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 conflict, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket hearing, 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 previously stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a car to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov driving a bicycle and talking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

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

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For most different struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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