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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in jail on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first war 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, 4 days after the invasion. read more

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired several pictures on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

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"Given that the crime committed is a criminal offense towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box within the courtroom and showed no emotion as the decision was read 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 legal appeal.

The trial, which started only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer instructed Reuters it could be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians during the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential conflict crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in struggle crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

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

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The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the decision. It has previously said that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to supply help.

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

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

In courtroom last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was accountable and asked the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

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

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For most different conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see comparable sentences because this is the baseline trial."

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

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