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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first struggle 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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense against peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field within the courtroom and showed no emotion as the decision was learn 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 pressure from society" and stated he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which started solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it could be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians during the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 attainable struggle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of war, stands inside a cage during a court docket listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not immediately touch upon the verdict. It has previously stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to provide assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, mentioned the decision was "not shocking" and could be the primary part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most different struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see related sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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