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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first warfare 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

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the victim's head from an automated weapon. read more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field 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, stated he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure stress from society" and stated he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which started only final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer advised Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians in the course of the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 attainable war crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular 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 court 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 touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, said the verdict was "not stunning" and may very well be the primary a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many different struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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