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

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 struggle 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 "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of pictures on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. read extra

Register

"Given that the crime committed is against the law against peace, safety, humanity and the international authorized order ... the court doesn't see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he mentioned.

Shishimarin, carrying a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass box 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, said he was not surprised by the sentence as a result of there had been "certain pressure from society" and said he would launch a authorized enchantment.

The trial, which began only final week, has huge symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it could be the first of many. read extra

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality towards civilians through the invasion and stated it has recognized greater than 10,000 potential conflict crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes whereas it carries out what it calls a "particular army operation" in Ukraine.

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

Read Extra

The Kremlin did not immediately touch upon the decision. 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 supply assistance.

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

After driving into Chupakhivka, the troopers noticed Shelipov riding a bicycle and talking on his telephone. Shishimarin was ordered to kill Shelipov to forestall him reporting on their location, the prosecutors said.

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

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

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

"If this is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he said. "For most different warfare crimes instances in Ukraine I believe we'll see related sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

Register

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

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.