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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first battle 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, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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"Given that the crime committed is against the law in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not surprised by the sentence because there had been "certain stress from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which began only final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer instructed Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and stated it has identified greater than 10,000 attainable conflict crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in battle crimes while 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 courtroom hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly 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 ability to provide help.

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

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

In court last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible 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 Association, said the decision was "not shocking" and might be the first part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he stated. "For many other war crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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