A court in Mohyliv-Podilskyi found a 42-year-old woman from Vinnytsia Oblast guilty of neglecting her 10-year-old son with a disability, which led to his death. The court sentenced her to three years in prison, which is the minimum penalty under the relevant charges. The Vinnytsia Oblast Prosecutor’s Office is appealing the decision.
Verdict and Next Steps
On March 31, the court found the woman guilty under Part 3 of Article 135 and Article 166 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertain to leaving a child in danger and failure to fulfill parental duties. The prosecutor’s office disagreed with the verdict and filed an appeal.
The story behind the tragedy
The tragedy occurred in the village of Serebriya. The boy had a severe disability, was dependent on outside assistance, and required special care. Starting in June 2025, his condition deteriorated, and his mother failed to provide him with a special diet. On December 16, 2025, the child died.
The investigation is ongoing
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko stated that responsibility will not be limited to the mother alone. The investigation also involves a social worker and a doctor who failed to fulfill their duties regarding the child’s care.
