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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first conflict 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, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the victim's head from an automated weapon. learn extra

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"On condition that the crime committed is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field in the courtroom and confirmed 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 "sure strain from society" and stated he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which began solely last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and said it has identified greater than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in struggle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of battle, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not immediately touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply help.

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

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

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was guilty and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

The courtroom reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full hearing.

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the decision was "not stunning" and could 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 high," he said. "For many other conflict crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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