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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison 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 guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of pictures at the victim's head from an automated weapon. read extra

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"Given that the crime dedicated is against the law against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which began solely final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer informed Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians in the course of the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 possible war crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in warfare 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 battle, 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 instantly touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to provide assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov driving a bicycle and speaking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not surprising" and may very well be the first part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many other battle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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