Moscow, Russia – A disturbing incident unfolded at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport earlier this week when a man violently assaulted an 18-month-old child in the arrivals hall. Vladimir Vitkov, a 31-year-old Belarusian, has since confessed to attempting to murder the toddler, citing his drug use at the time as a contributing factor.
Security footage captured the shocking moment when Vitkov, who had been lingering near the child, suddenly picked up the toddler and slammed him head-first onto the floor. The child, Yazdan, suffered serious skull fractures and was placed into a coma following the attack. Authorities confirmed that traces of cannabis were found in Vitkov’s blood, and he was reportedly in possession of other illegal substances.
The incident has drawn widespread outrage, with Moscow Region Children’s Ombudswoman Ksenia Mishonova condemning the act and labeling Vitkov “a drug-addled monster.” Mishonova conveyed her deepest sympathies to the family, stating, “May the parents have the strength to survive this.” She also provided an update on the child’s condition, confirming that Yazdan’s brain had not been damaged and that he is no longer in a coma.
The horrifying attack occurred after Vitkov and the family of the toddler were on the same flight arriving from Egypt. Yazdan’s family had been fleeing conflict in Iran, where they had been visiting relatives. Reports revealed that Vitkov had recently been fired from a nuclear construction job in Egypt after failing a drug and alcohol test. Following his arrest, Vitkov admitted, “I attempted to murder a child,” though he could not provide a clear motive for his actions due to his drug-induced state.
Warning: Disturbing Video
Medical professionals described Yazdan’s injuries as severe, including an open fracture of the skull, fractures at the base and vault of the skull, and a subdural hematoma. Despite the gravity of the injuries, doctors remain hopeful as the child continues to recover under medical supervision.
Russian Investigative Committees are pursuing the case rigorously and are expected to charge Vitkov with severe criminal offenses. If convicted, he could face the harshest penalties under Russian law.
The assault has sparked conversations about airport security and drug-related violence. Calls for stricter measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in public spaces have grown louder in the aftermath of this tragic event.
The family of the toddler has not yet released a public statement, but support has been pouring in from local communities and international observers. Authorities have assured the public that justice will be served for the shocking act of violence that has left a family, and the world, in deep distress.
