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

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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov said Shishimarin, carrying out a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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"Given that the crime dedicated is against the law towards peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court docket does not see the possibility of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a reinforced glass field in the courtroom and confirmed 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 because there had been "certain strain from society" and said he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which started solely last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer informed Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. learn extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians in the course of the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential war crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in conflict crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular military operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage during a court hearing, 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 decision. It has previously mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to provide assistance.

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

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

In court last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was accountable 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, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, said the verdict was "not surprising" and could be the primary a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many other warfare crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences as a result of this 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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