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

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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read more

Register

"Provided that the crime committed is against the law in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

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

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

The trial, which started solely last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer told Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible battle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in war crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of battle, stands inside a cage throughout a courtroom hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

Learn More

The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capacity to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

In court docket last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

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

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For most other conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.