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

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

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of pictures at the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass box within 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, said he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started only final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the first of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 attainable battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the verdict. It has previously mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to supply assistance.

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

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

In court last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and requested 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 International Bar Association, stated the decision was "not stunning" and could be the primary a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he stated. "For many different conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see related sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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