UK MPs demand end to broadcast of Russian cartoon Masha and the Bear

A cross-party group of UK MPs has written to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy urging her to intervene and potentially halt the broadcast of the Russian children's cartoon Masha and the Bear. The show, featuring a little girl and a retired circus bear, is among the most popular on YouTube, with one episode amassing over 4.6 billion views.

The MPs, including members from the Liberal Democrats, Labour, Conservatives, Greens, SNP, and Plaid Cymru, argue that the cartoon contains propaganda content. In their letter, spearheaded by Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon, they point to episodes where Masha wears what appears to be a Soviet tank crew hat and uniform, and another featuring a cap resembling that of the NKVD, the Soviet secret police responsible for mass deportations and executions. The MPs claim such imagery is also used on the social media accounts of the animation studio Animaccord.

Concerns echo statements from Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation and Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who describe the series as an instrument of Russian soft power, normalizing Soviet symbols and militaristic themes.

Animaccord has strongly denied the allegations, stating it is a private company with no state funding. Spokesperson Melanie Bonvicino said the series has entertained families worldwide for two decades, promoting universal themes of friendship and kindness, and contains no political messaging.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport declined to comment, while Whitehall sources indicated it is up to broadcasters to decide what to air within Ofcom's regulations. ITV declined to comment, and Netflix was contacted for comment.