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

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 warfare 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn more

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of photographs at the sufferer's head from an automated weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime committed is a criminal offense against peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered 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 because there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer instructed Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 potential war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in struggle 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 battle, stands inside a cage during a court docket 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 comment on the decision. It has beforehand stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers noticed Shelipov using a bicycle and speaking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

The court reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full hearing.

Mark Ellis, govt director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, mentioned the decision was "not shocking" and might be the first a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For many different warfare 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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