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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first warfare 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of shots at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is against the law against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court docket doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

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

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has identified greater than 10,000 attainable warfare crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes while 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 battle, stands inside a cage throughout a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to offer help.

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, said the decision was "not shocking" and may very well be the first a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For most different warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences as a result of 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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