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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots on the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime committed is a crime against peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass box in 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, stated he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and stated he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began solely last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer informed Reuters it might be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 attainable battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom 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 instantly touch upon the decision. It has beforehand said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov using a bicycle and speaking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

The court docket reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full listening to.

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not surprising" and may very well be the primary a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For most different struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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