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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn extra

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of pictures on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn extra

Register

"Given that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass field in 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, mentioned he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure pressure from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized appeal.

The trial, which began solely final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer told Reuters it might be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians in the course of the invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 attainable struggle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in war crimes while 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 struggle, stands inside a cage during a court listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

Learn More

The Kremlin did not instantly comment on the verdict. It has previously stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to supply help.

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

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

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

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, mentioned the verdict was "not surprising" and might be the first part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For many different warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences because this is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.