A tragic incident occurred in the Vinnytsia region: a 10-year-old boy with a disability died from starvation.
This sentence is difficult to write and almost impossible to voice. But it is even harder to realize that this death was slow, predictable, and could have been prevented.
The child had not received food for at least two months. The boy was born with a disability. He could not protect himself or ask for help, as he was completely dependent on adults.
Since May 2025, the child stopped attending school, and his condition worsened. However, the mother did not seek medical help.
From August to December, representatives of social and medical services repeatedly visited this family. They saw the living conditions of the child and documented the deterioration of his condition, but did nothing to save the boy’s life. The child was not removed, treatment was not provided, and protection was not given.
According to the investigation, it was a combination of the mother’s actions and the inaction of the services that led to the boy’s death. The mother has been detained and charged with endangerment resulting in the child’s death, as well as malicious neglect of parental duties. A motion for her detention has been submitted to the court.
*But responsibility will not be limited to the mother alone.*
The prosecution has announced charges against a social service worker for improper performance of duties regarding the child’s life protection and against the family doctor for improper performance of professional medical duties.
*My position is clear: everyone who saw and stayed silent, who knew and did not act, will be held accountable.*