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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian courtroom sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first struggle 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, four days after the invasion. learn more

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

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

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box in 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 shocked by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal enchantment.

The trial, which began only final week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer advised Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has identified greater than 10,000 possible conflict crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in warfare 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 warfare, stands inside a cage during a courtroom hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Could 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly touch upon the decision. It has previously stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to supply assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov using a bicycle and speaking on his phone. 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 victim'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 decision was "not shocking" and may very well be the first a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he mentioned. "For most other war crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences because that 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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