Kiev claims the globally popular show Masha and the Bear poses a threat to national security
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the creators of the popular Russian children’s cartoon Masha and the Bear, claiming it is part of Moscow’s propaganda campaign.
The animated series, loosely based on a traditional Russian folk tale, follows the adventures of a mischievous little girl and a retired circus bear. It is one of the most popular children’s shows online, with one episode, Recipe for Disaster, having been viewed more than 4.6 billion times on YouTube.
Last month, Netflix acquired the rights to two more seasons and extended licensing agreements for existing seasons and spin-offs, prompting criticism from Kiev.
In a statement on Thursday, Ukraine’s presidential sanctions commissioner, Vladislav Vlasyuk, said the latest round of restrictions targeted five individuals and four entities involved in the production and distribution of the show, including Animaccord Studio and its main creator, Oleg Kuzovkov. The show and its social media accounts have been banned in the country.
Read more Kanye is coming to Russia and everyone’s happy. But not for the reasons you think“Masha and the Bear disseminates a pro-Russian narrative under the guise of children’s content, which poses a threat to the national security of Ukraine,” Vlasyuk said. Ukraine’s state-run UNITED24 Media earlier described the series as depicting Russian cultural motifs as “welcoming, gentle, and universally appealing.”
Ukraine has banned dozens of Russian actors, musicians, films, and TV shows, claiming that they promote “Russian aggression.”
The popularity of Masha and the Bear has also drawn criticism from hawkish Western politicians. Last month, more than 50 British MPs called on the government to stop the cartoon from being shown in the UK.
Moscow has condemned the campaign against Russian culture as “stupid” and futile. President Vladimir Putin said in 2023 that the policy of “canceling Russia” was “at its core, anti-cultural, neocolonial, and racist.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova argued in September that Ukrainian officials targeted Masha and the Bear precisely because it had “topped the popularity rankings.”
Hence then, the article about ukraine sanctions creators of hit russian children s cartoon was published today ( ) and is available on Russia Today ( News ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ukraine sanctions creators of hit Russian children’s cartoon )
Also on site :