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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in 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

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court docket does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass field within the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the decision was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "certain stress from society" and stated he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which began only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it could be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians in the course of the invasion and stated it has recognized more than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular military 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 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 ability to offer help.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not surprising" and might be the primary a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For many other battle crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences because 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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