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

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 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, four days after the invasion. read more

Judge 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 automated weapon. read extra

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is against the law against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom does not see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

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

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

The trial, which began solely last week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it may very well be the primary of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians throughout the invasion and said it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied concentrating on civilians or involvement in struggle crimes while it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of battle, stands inside a cage during a court docket hearing, 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 mentioned that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its potential to provide help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors mentioned Shishimarin and four other 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 talking on his cellphone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to prevent him reporting on their location, the prosecutors mentioned.

In court final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was guilty and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Affiliation, said the decision was "not stunning" and may very well be the primary a part of "a large puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very high," he stated. "For many other struggle crimes circumstances in Ukraine I think we'll see similar sentences because that 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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