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

KYIV, Might 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court 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 responsible to killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read extra

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

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"Provided that the crime committed is a crime against peace, security, humanity and the worldwide authorized order ... the court docket doesn't see the opportunity of imposing a (shorter) sentence," he stated.

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

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

The trial, which began only last week, has big symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer instructed Reuters it could possibly be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians in the course of the invasion and said it has recognized more than 10,000 doable struggle crimes. Russia has denied targeting civilians or involvement in conflict 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 courtroom hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Might 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin did not instantly touch upon the decision. It has beforehand said that it has no information about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its ability to provide assistance.

Ukrainian state prosecutors said Shishimarin and 4 other Russian servicemen stole a automobile to flee after their column was targeted by Ukrainian forces.

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

In courtroom final week, Shishimarin acknowledged he was in charge and requested the sufferer's widow to forgive him.

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

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

"If that is the baseline trial ... it units the bar very excessive," he stated. "For most different warfare crimes cases in Ukraine I believe we'll see comparable sentences as a result of that 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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