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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first struggle 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. read more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures on the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime committed is against the law in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

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

The trial, which began solely final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer informed Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in warfare crimes whereas 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 struggle, stands inside a cage during a courtroom hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on 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 skill to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automobile to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

In court docket last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was accountable 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, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the decision was "not surprising" and may very well be the primary a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he said. "For many other war crimes circumstances in Ukraine I think 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, Enhancing by Tomasz Janowski and Frank Jack Daniel

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