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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first battle 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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several shots on the victim's head from an automated weapon. read more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is against the law towards peace, security, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, carrying 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 read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which began only last week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer told Reuters it might be the first of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has identified more than 10,000 doable struggle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in war crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on the verdict. It has beforehand stated that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its skill to provide 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 noticed Shelipov using a bicycle and talking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, said the verdict was "not surprising" and could be the first part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he mentioned. "For many other struggle crimes instances in Ukraine I suspect we'll see related sentences because that is the baseline trial."

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

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