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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian in the first warfare crimes trial arising from Russia's invasion.

Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old tank commander, had pleaded responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. learn more

Judge Serhiy Agafonov stated Shishimarin, carrying out a "prison order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of photographs at the sufferer's head from an automatic weapon. learn extra

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"Given that the crime committed is against the law in opposition to peace, security, humanity and the international authorized order ... the courtroom doesn't see the potential of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, sporting a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a strengthened glass box in 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, mentioned he was not shocked by the sentence because there had been "certain strain from society" and stated he would launch a authorized attraction.

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

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality against civilians throughout the invasion and mentioned it has recognized greater than 10,000 possible warfare crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in warfare crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "special 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 listening to, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not immediately 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 ability to offer help.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a car to escape after their column was focused by Ukrainian forces.

After driving into Chupakhivka, the soldiers saw Shelipov driving a bicycle and speaking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

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

Mark Ellis, govt director of the International Bar Affiliation, stated the decision was "not stunning" and could possibly be the primary part of "a big puzzle additionally involving Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia."

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

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

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