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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first battle 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several shots at the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"Given that the crime committed is against the law against peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court docket doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

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

The trial, which started only final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer told Reuters it might be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in struggle 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 battle, stands inside a cage during a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't immediately touch upon the decision. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to supply assistance.

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

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

In court last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and requested the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, said the decision was "not stunning" and may very well be the first a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For most other battle crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect 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, Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Frank Jack Daniel

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