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

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 guilty to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several photographs at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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

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

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started only final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer advised Reuters it might be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 potential struggle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular navy 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 hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the verdict. It has beforehand said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a car to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov driving a bicycle and speaking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

In courtroom last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not stunning" and could possibly be the primary a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many other battle crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences because 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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