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

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first warfare 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. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several photographs at the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn extra

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense against peace, security, humanity and the international legal order ... the court doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field within the courtroom and showed no emotion as the decision was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not stunned by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a authorized enchantment.

The trial, which started only final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it might be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians during the invasion and stated it has identified more than 10,000 doable warfare crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of battle, 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

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The Kremlin didn't instantly comment on 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 ability to offer assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automotive to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov riding a bicycle and speaking on his telephone. 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 requested the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not stunning" and could be the first a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he mentioned. "For most different war crimes instances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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