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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first war 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 extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several photographs at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn extra

Register

"Provided that the crime dedicated is against the law in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the verdict was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

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

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in battle 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 war, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

Learn Extra

The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the verdict. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, mentioned the verdict was "not shocking" and may very well be the primary part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For many different war crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Principles.