A horrifying incident at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport has left an 18-month-old boy in a coma after he was violently slammed to the ground by a tourist. The child had just arrived in Russia with his pregnant mother, fleeing conflict in Iran via Afghanistan.
The attacker, identified as 31-year-old Vladimir Vitkov from Belarus, was caught on CCTV footage in the arrivals hall. In the video, Vitkov is seen glancing around before suddenly grabbing the toddler—who stood beside a suitcase—and throwing him headfirst onto the hard airport floor.
The boy, who suffered a fractured skull and spinal injuries, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. His mother was reportedly just meters away, collecting the child’s pushchair, when the assault took place. Witnesses quickly intervened, stopping Vitkov and alerting authorities.
Russian officials have launched an attempted murder investigation, also probing potential motives, including racial hatred and drug influence. Traces of cannabis were found in Vitkov’s system, and additional drugs were reportedly discovered on him. During questioning, Vitkov vaguely admitted to past legal troubles, saying, “I made mistakes like that.”
Vitkov’s female travel companion was reportedly in shock, and disturbing reports say he has a daughter around the same age as the victim.
The attack has sparked global outrage.
Meanwhile, Moscow Region Children's Ombudswoman Ksenia Mishonova told The Sun: “A drug-addled monster grabbed a toddler in the arrivals hall and threw him on the floor with all his might….All this is incredibly difficult to bear. I hope the detained monster will receive the full severity of the law. I wish the child a speedy recovery. May the parents have the strength to survive this.”
The case has triggered intense debate on airport security, mental health screening, and the vulnerability of refugee families. With over 40 million passengers annually, Sheremetyevo is Russia’s busiest airport—now under scrutiny for one of its most chilling incidents.
Disturbing footage: The video is quite graphic and hence readers are advised caution.
The attacker, identified as 31-year-old Vladimir Vitkov from Belarus, was caught on CCTV footage in the arrivals hall. In the video, Vitkov is seen glancing around before suddenly grabbing the toddler—who stood beside a suitcase—and throwing him headfirst onto the hard airport floor.
The boy, who suffered a fractured skull and spinal injuries, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. His mother was reportedly just meters away, collecting the child’s pushchair, when the assault took place. Witnesses quickly intervened, stopping Vitkov and alerting authorities.
Russian officials have launched an attempted murder investigation, also probing potential motives, including racial hatred and drug influence. Traces of cannabis were found in Vitkov’s system, and additional drugs were reportedly discovered on him. During questioning, Vitkov vaguely admitted to past legal troubles, saying, “I made mistakes like that.”
Vitkov’s female travel companion was reportedly in shock, and disturbing reports say he has a daughter around the same age as the victim.
The attack has sparked global outrage.
Meanwhile, Moscow Region Children's Ombudswoman Ksenia Mishonova told The Sun: “A drug-addled monster grabbed a toddler in the arrivals hall and threw him on the floor with all his might….All this is incredibly difficult to bear. I hope the detained monster will receive the full severity of the law. I wish the child a speedy recovery. May the parents have the strength to survive this.”
The case has triggered intense debate on airport security, mental health screening, and the vulnerability of refugee families. With over 40 million passengers annually, Sheremetyevo is Russia’s busiest airport—now under scrutiny for one of its most chilling incidents.
Disturbing footage: The video is quite graphic and hence readers are advised caution.
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