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

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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, finishing up a "criminal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures at the victim's head from an computerized weapon. read extra

Register

"Provided that the crime committed is a criminal offense towards peace, safety, humanity and the international legal order ... the court doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box within the courtroom and showed no emotion as the verdict was read out. He stood with head bowed, listening to a translator.

Shishmarin's lawyer, Viktor Ovsyannikov, said he was not stunned by the sentence because there had been "certain pressure from society" and mentioned he would launch a authorized attraction.

The trial, which began only last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer informed Reuters it could be the first 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 more than 10,000 doable struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in war crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special navy operation" in Ukraine.

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

Read More

The Kremlin didn't immediately comment on the verdict. It has beforehand stated that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its means to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors stated 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 noticed Shelipov using a bicycle and talking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to stop him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and asked the victim's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, government director of the International Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not shocking" and could possibly be the primary a part of "a large puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he said. "For most other warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences because this is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Belief Ideas.