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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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 guilty 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 mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of photographs on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read more

Register

"On condition that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense towards peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the verdict was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

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

The trial, which began solely last week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible struggle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict 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 conflict, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

Learn More

The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on the decision. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to offer assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov using a bicycle and talking on his phone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

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

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For most other warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see comparable sentences because that is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Rules.