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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in 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. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several photographs at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box within the courtroom and showed no emotion as the verdict was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and said he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began only final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer told Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 potential struggle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of struggle, stands inside a cage during a courtroom hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to offer assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the Worldwide Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not shocking" and may very well be the primary a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For most different war crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe 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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