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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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 responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

Register

"Provided that the crime committed is a criminal offense against peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the court does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians in the course of the invasion and stated it has identified more than 10,000 potential warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in battle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special army 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 court docket listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

Read More

The Kremlin didn't instantly comment on the decision. It has beforehand 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 mentioned Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Affiliation, mentioned the verdict was "not stunning" and could be the primary a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

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

Register

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

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Rules.