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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first conflict 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. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime dedicated is a crime towards peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

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

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began solely final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer instructed Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians in the course of the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 doable battle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly comment on the verdict. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to provide assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov riding 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 docket last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, said the verdict was "not surprising" and could be the first part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For many different warfare crimes circumstances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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