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

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 war 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, four days after the invasion. read extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several photographs on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime committed is against the law against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom does not see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

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 verdict was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, mentioned he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain stress from society" and said he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which started solely final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer told Reuters it might be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 attainable struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in battle crimes while 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 listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 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 ability to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and four other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov using a bicycle and speaking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Affiliation, said the verdict was "not shocking" and may very well be the first a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he said. "For many different struggle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences as a result of this is the baseline trial."

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

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