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

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

Decide Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several photographs at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box within 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, said he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and said he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started only final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer instructed Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians in the course of the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 potential war crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of war, 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 instantly touch upon the decision. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to offer assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 different 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 telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

In court last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was accountable and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not surprising" and may very well be the first part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most different war crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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