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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within the first warfare 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, 4 days after the invasion. learn extra

Decide Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, finishing up a "felony order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired a number of shots on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the court docket 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 reinforced glass field in the courtroom and confirmed no emotion as the verdict was learn out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, stated he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "sure pressure from society" and mentioned he would launch a legal appeal.

The trial, which started only last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer advised Reuters it could possibly be the primary of many. learn more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians through the invasion and mentioned it has identified greater than 10,000 potential battle crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes while 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 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 instantly touch upon the decision. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to supply help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 different Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers saw Shelipov using a bicycle and speaking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors stated.

In court docket final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and requested 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 Affiliation, stated the verdict was "not surprising" and could be the primary part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he mentioned. "For many other battle crimes cases in Ukraine I suspect we'll see similar sentences because 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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