In Vinnytsia Oblast, a mother was sentenced to three years in prison for the death of her child from starvation
A court found a 42-year-old woman from the Mohyliv-Podilskyi district guilty of causing the death of her 10-year-old son, who had a disability, and sentenced her to the minimum penalty—three years in prison.
The prosecutor’s office has already filed an appeal, disagreeing with this decision, according to the Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
On March 31, the Mohyliv-Podilskyi City and District Court of Vinnytsia Oblast found the woman guilty under Part 3 of Article 135 and Article 166 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—leaving a minor child in danger, resulting in death, as well as malicious failure to fulfill parental duties.
Despite the severity of the consequences, the court sentenced her to the minimum possible punishment—three years in prison. The Mohyliv-Podilskyi District Prosecutor’s Office appealed the verdict.
The incident occurred in the village of Serebriya. The boy had a severe disability (subgroup A) due to organic damage to the central nervous system and was completely dependent on adult care.
According to the investigation, his condition had been rapidly deteriorating since June 2025. The mother failed to provide the child with proper care, including a special diet that was vital, as the boy’s body could not digest regular food.
On December 16, 2025, the child died.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko stated that the mother may not be the only one held responsible in this case.
“The boy did not die from an illness. He died from the indifference of adults. My position is clear: anyone who saw and remained silent, who knew and did not act, who had the authority and did not use it—will be held accountable,” he emphasized.
An investigation is currently underway regarding two other individuals:
- a social services worker—for failing to properly fulfill her duties to protect the child’s life;
- a family doctor—for improper performance of professional duties, which led to serious consequences.
Law enforcement officials have established that they documented the child’s deteriorating condition but failed to take the necessary measures to protect and treat her.
According to the Constitution of Ukraine, all suspects are presumed innocent until their guilt is proven in court.
As a reminder, a 10-year-old boy died of starvation in Vinnytsia Oblast. His mother, a person with a Group III disability, was unable to care for her son on her own after the death of her parents. Natalia Todorchuk, the village head of Serebriya in the Mohyliv-Podilskyi community, said that the woman lived in her own world and was unable to manage her household or care for the child.
As a reminder, a 10-year-old boy with a disability died of starvation in Vinnytsia Oblast.
