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

KYIV, Could 23 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian court docket sentenced a Russian soldier to life in prison on Monday for killing an unarmed civilian within 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 within the northeastern Ukrainian village of Chupakhivka on Feb. 28, 4 days after the invasion. read more

Judge Serhiy Agafonov mentioned Shishimarin, carrying out a "legal order" by a soldier of upper rank, had fired a number of pictures on the victim's head from an automatic weapon. learn more

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"On condition that the crime dedicated is a criminal offense towards peace, safety, humanity and the worldwide legal order ... the courtroom does not see the potential for imposing a (shorter) sentence," he said.

Shishimarin, wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, watched proceedings silently from a bolstered glass field in the courtroom and showed no emotion as the verdict was learn 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 stress from society" and stated he would launch a authorized enchantment.

The trial, which began solely final week, has large symbolic significance for Ukraine and a global lawyer informed Reuters it may very well be the first of many. read more

Kyiv has accused Russia of atrocities and brutality in opposition to civilians through the invasion and said it has identified greater than 10,000 doable battle crimes. Russia has denied focusing on civilians or involvement in warfare crimes while it carries out what it calls a "special navy operation" in Ukraine.

Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin, 21, suspected of violations of the laws and norms of conflict, stands inside a cage throughout a court docket hearing, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

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The Kremlin didn't instantly touch upon the verdict. It has beforehand mentioned that it has no details about the trial and that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Ukraine limits its capability to offer assistance.

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

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

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

The courtroom reached its verdict 5 days after holding its first full hearing.

Mark Ellis, government director of the Worldwide Bar Association, stated the verdict was "not shocking" and could possibly be the first part of "a big puzzle also involving Ukrainian troopers being held in Russia."

"If that is the baseline trial ... it sets the bar very excessive," he stated. "For many other struggle crimes cases in Ukraine I think we'll see related sentences as a result of that is the baseline trial."

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

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