A woman has been detained in Moscow after her daughter was found living in squalor.
The 5-year-old is now in intensive care after being left alone for several days.
The mother said in questioning that she had to leave the child alone for "short periods" to go to work.
A spokesperson for children's rights in Russia said the girl, identified as Lyuba, does not appear to be able to speak.
The girl’s mother has been detained and a criminal inquiry into conspiracy to murder has been launched.
Report by Lily Thomas.
