Who is Vladimir Vitkov? Belarussian National Confesses to Attempted Murder of Infant in Moscow Airport

Disturbing events unfolded at Sheremetyevo Airport’s Terminal C in Moscow. Vladimir Vitkov, 31, confessed to attempting to kill an 18-month-old child, Yazdan, who had just fled the recent Israel–Iran conflict alongside his mother. CCTV footage captures the moment Vitkov grabbed the toddler and threw him head‑first onto the floor in the arrivals hall.

Vitkov, a nuclear power plant construction worker returning from Egypt, admitted during interrogation that he was under the influence of drugs. He reportedly consumed whisky and cannabis, which police found in his blood and luggage. “I attempted to murder a child… at Sheremetyevo Airport,” he told investigators.

Little Yazdan suffered serious skull fractures and spinal injuries. Doctors at Moscow’s Roshal Children’s Centre reported an open skull fracture, vault fracture, and subdural hematoma. Despite the gravity of his injuries, the toddler is now conscious, no longer in a coma, and his condition is stable. His mother, Hajizada Sahar, remains by his side, anxiously awaiting his full recovery.

Ksenia Mishonova, the Moscow children’s ombudswoman, strongly condemned Vitkov as a “drug‑addled monster.” She urged the justice system to impose a maximum penalty, including hard labour, as a deterrent for similar crimes.

Legal Developments

Medical Update

Dr. Tatyana Shapovalenko, chief doctor at Roshal Children’s Centre, confirmed Yazdan’s serious cranial injuries. Despite the extensive trauma, he did not require emergency neurosurgery and was taken off the ventilator. His ongoing recovery remains under close observation.

International and Moral Fallout

This incident raises urgent questions about airport security and the protection of vulnerable travelers. Yazdan and his mother had just escaped conflict zones in Israel and Iran, seeking safety. Instead, they faced a horrifying attack. Mishonova emphasized that this case shows no leniency should be given to offenders.