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

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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots on the victim's head from an automated weapon. learn more

Register

"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime towards peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain pressure from society" and said he would launch a legal enchantment.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 attainable war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on 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 legal guidelines and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage during a court hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

Learn More

The Kremlin didn't instantly comment on the verdict. It has previously said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to offer help.

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not stunning" and could be the primary part of "a large 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 different battle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences because that is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Rules.