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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in 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 in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read more

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures on the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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"Given that the crime committed is a crime against peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass box within the courtroom and showed 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 shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain pressure from society" and said he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which began only final week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer informed Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians during the invasion and mentioned it has recognized more than 10,000 attainable warfare crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in battle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special navy 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 courtroom listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not shocking" and could be the first part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most different warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I believe 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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