Fact Check: Vitkov was under the influence of drugs when he violently attacked the toddler.

Fact Check: "Vitkov was under the influence of drugs when he violently attacked the toddler."

What We Know

On June 25, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport, where 31-year-old Vladimir Vitkov violently attacked an 18-month-old Iranian refugee boy named Yazdan. The child, who had recently fled conflict in Iran with his mother, was thrown headfirst onto the airport floor, resulting in severe injuries, including skull fractures and spinal damage, which left him in a coma (Mint, 7NEWS).

Authorities quickly detained Vitkov, who was reportedly under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack. Investigations revealed that traces of cannabis were found in his bloodstream, and additional drugs were discovered in his possession (Mint, 4). During questioning, Vitkov confessed to attempting to murder the child, stating he was unable to provide a clear motive for his actions due to being "under the influence of drugs" (7NEWS, Metro).

Analysis

The evidence surrounding Vitkov's drug use at the time of the attack is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. Reports from Mint and 7NEWS confirm that Vitkov had cannabis in his system, which aligns with his confession during police questioning. The reliability of these sources is supported by their established reputations in news reporting, particularly in covering significant incidents and legal matters.

Moreover, the details of the incident, including the CCTV footage showing Vitkov's actions, provide a clear context for the violent nature of the attack. The fact that Vitkov was unable to articulate a motive further emphasizes the potential influence of drugs on his behavior (7NEWS).

While some sources may have varying degrees of sensationalism, the core facts regarding Vitkov's drug use and the violent nature of the attack remain consistent across reports. The presence of drugs in his system is a critical factor in understanding the circumstances of the incident.

Conclusion

The claim that Vladimir Vitkov was under the influence of drugs when he violently attacked the toddler is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Vitkov had traces of cannabis in his bloodstream at the time of the assault, and he himself admitted to being high during the incident. This substantiates the assertion that his actions were influenced by drug use.

Fact Check: Vitkov was under the influence of drugs when he violently attacked the toddler.