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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison 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 responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense against peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass box within 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, stated he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "sure stress from society" and stated he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started solely last week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in conflict crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of battle, stands inside a cage during a court docket hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the decision. It has previously stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a automotive to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

In court docket final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not stunning" and might be the primary a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

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

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

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