The Kremlin condemned Ukraine’s decision to sanction the Russian animated series “Masha and the Bear” on Friday, which Ukrainian officials perceive as a threat to national security, according to reports from EFE and The Moscow Times.
Ukrainian authorities argue that the show, translated into numerous languages and popular worldwide, generates revenue for Russia and disseminates Kremlin propaganda.
Moscow responded by stating that these sanctions “once again highlight the ugliness of the regime in Kyiv.” Dmitri Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, remarked during a press conference that Ukraine’s declaration of war against the animated series exemplifies the abhorrent nature of the Kyiv regime.
Peskov further claimed that the targeted show has “captured the world, without exaggeration.” He emphasized, “They have conquered the globe through their kindness, humanity, and, in the best sense, propaganda of human virtues.”
Ukrainian Officials Aim to Block Russian Propaganda
Following a decree signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the creators of “Masha and the Bear,” accusing it of spreading pro-Russian narratives and representing a national security threat.
The sanctions are directed at Animaccord Animation Studio, the production company behind the series, as well as its founder, CEO, director, screenwriter, and co-producer.
On Friday, Ukraine’s Minister of Culture stated that the sanctions mark a step towards banning the broadcast of the cartoon in Ukraine, as reported by AFP.
“Ukraine has imposed sanctions against the producers and distributors of the Russian animated series ‘Masha and the Bear.’ Russian propaganda has no place on children’s screens, neither in Ukraine nor elsewhere in the world,” said Minister Tetiana Bereznai.
She explained that these measures create “a legal basis for blocking this content in Ukraine” and for calling on “international platforms to restrict its monetization and distribution.”
Advising on sanctions, Vladislav Vlasyuk added, “We need to respond specifically to Russian propaganda, especially when it targets children and is distributed through major international platforms.”
