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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first warfare 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

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime committed is a crime against peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court docket does not see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field in 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, said he was not shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain stress from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which started only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer informed Reuters it could be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians throughout the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special army operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on the verdict. It has beforehand stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automotive to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was responsible and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Association, stated the decision was "not shocking" and could 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 many different conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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