Belarusian Vladimir Vitkov Charged with Attempted Murder After Slamming 18-Month-Old Afghan Toddler into Coma at Moscow Airport

On June 24, 2025, at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport, a 31-year-old Belarusian tourist named Vladimir Vitkov violently slammed an 18-month-old Afghan toddler to the ground, causing severe skull fractures and spinal injuries. The child, who had fled conflict in Iran with his pregnant mother, was left in a coma and rushed to the hospital. The incident was captured on surveillance video, prompting widespread shock and condemnation. Vitkov was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted murder.

Russian authorities have ordered a two-month detention for Vitkov, who was found to have traces of drugs in his system. The toddler's nationality was initially reported as Iranian but later confirmed by the Iranian ambassador to Russia and other officials to be Afghan. The attack has sparked calls for swift justice amid concerns over the safety of refugees and immigrants in Russia.