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

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

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several photographs at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is against the law towards peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court docket does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

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

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started solely final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it could be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and stated it has identified more than 10,000 attainable struggle crimes. Russia has denied focusing 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 laws and norms of conflict, stands inside a cage during a court docket hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly touch upon the decision. It has beforehand stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 other 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 speaking 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 guilty and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Association, said the decision was "not surprising" and may very well be the first a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many different warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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