Ukraine expands sanctions list to include children's cartoon 'Masha and the Bear'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed four decrees putting into effect a decision by the country's National Security and Defense Council to introduce a new round of sanctions against Russia. The measures target Russian defense manufacturers, companies belonging to the Rusal aluminum group, and the team behind the popular children's animated series 'Masha and the Bear.'

The sanctions apply to Animaccord, the studio that produces the show, along with five Russian nationals connected to it: the studio's founder, its chief executive, the show's screenwriter, a co-writer and co-producer, and the holder of the series' rights.

According to Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, 'Masha and the Bear' spreads pro-Russian narratives under the guise of children's entertainment, which the council considers a threat to Ukraine's national security.

Criticism beyond Ukraine

The cartoon has faced objections in other countries as well. In July, a group of British lawmakers sent an open letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy calling for the show to be removed from streaming platforms, describing it as propaganda that is 'not subtle.'

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has also criticized the series, describing it as part of the Kremlin's soft-power efforts. He said the show embeds pro-Kremlin, militaristic imagery into children's entertainment, helping normalize Russia's aggression and imperial ambitions.