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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, four days after the invasion. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots at the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is against the law in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

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

The trial, which began solely last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. learn extra

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

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

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the decision. It has beforehand said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not surprising" and could be the primary part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For most other conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect 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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