Russian soldier jailed for life in first warfare crimes trial of Ukraine warfare

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 battle 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

Choose Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of higher rank, had fired several pictures on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read more

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

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

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

The trial, which began only last week, has enormous symbolic significance for Ukraine and a world lawyer advised Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read 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 potential warfare crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the legal guidelines and norms of warfare, stands inside a cage throughout 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 did not 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 offer 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 soldiers noticed Shelipov driving 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 last week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and requested the victim's widow to forgive him.

The court reached its verdict five days after holding its first full hearing.

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, mentioned the decision was "not shocking" and could be the first a part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very high," he said. "For most other conflict crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see comparable 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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