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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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 responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of photographs at the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read more

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"Provided that the crime committed is a criminal offense towards peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court docket doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box in the courtroom and showed no emotion as the decision was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which began only last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it could be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and stated it has recognized more than 10,000 potential conflict crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in war crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on the decision. It has previously stated 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 stated Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, said the decision was "not surprising" and could possibly be the first a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For most different war crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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