A man was filmed on CCTV footage throwing a toddler headfirst onto the floor of an airport, fracturing his skull. The 18-month-old boy, who also suffered spinal injuries, was sent into a coma in Moscow after a tourist attacked him yesterday.
The shocking attack took place in the arrivals area of Sheremetyevo International Airport, shortly after the child and his pregnant mother landed in Russia. Reports indicate the family had just fled Iran, travelling through Afghanistan in search of safety. While the mother briefly stepped away to collect a pushchair, her child stood nearby with a small suitcase.
The man seen in the video, later identified as 31-year-old Vladimir Vitkov, appeared to check his surroundings before suddenly grabbing the child and slamming him onto the ground. The impact left the boy gravely injured. A bystander rushed in to lift the child, while the suspect moved to the side and sat on the ground. He was later apprehended by authorities.
What adds to the horror of this event is that Vitkov reportedly has a daughter the same age as the victim. Vitkov, a Belarus resident, had arrived in Russia from either Cyprus or Egypt. He was believed to be under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident, according to Russian authorities. Traces of cannabis were reportedly found in his system. Authorities say he was incoherent and unable to clearly explain his actions, only stating to officers, “I made mistakes like that.”
The Moscow Region Children’s Ombudswoman, Ksenia Mishonova, condemned the attack, calling the suspect a “drug-addled monster” and expressing hope that justice would be served. “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,” Mishonova said.
The toddler is currently fighting for his life in the hospital while the suspect is being investigated for attempted murder.
