Russian soldier jailed for life in first conflict crimes trial of Ukraine war

KYIV, May 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison 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 guilty 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 stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures on the sufferer's head from an computerized weapon. learn more

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"Provided that the crime dedicated is against the law towards peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the courtroom doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and grey hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened 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 surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "sure strain from society" and stated he would launch a legal attraction.

The trial, which started solely last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and an international lawyer instructed Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read more

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

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

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The Kremlin didn't instantly 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 ability to supply assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and four different Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov riding 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 last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge 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 Worldwide Bar Association, stated the decision was "not stunning" and could possibly be the first a part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many different war crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see similar sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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