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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box 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 shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and said he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began solely final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it could be the first of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 doable conflict crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict 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 throughout a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly touch upon 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 means to offer assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, mentioned the verdict was "not shocking" and could possibly be the first a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For many other war crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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