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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first war 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. read extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a crime in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered 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, said he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain stress from society" and said he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which began only last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it might be the primary 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 identified more than 10,000 attainable war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws 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 immediately comment on the verdict. It has previously said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a car to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop 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 Affiliation, mentioned the decision was "not surprising" and may very well be the first part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For many different war crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see comparable 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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