Ukraine sanctions creators of popular Russian cartoon series, 'Masha and the Bear'

Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the creators of the popular Russian cartoon series for allegedly spreading "pro-Russia narratives" and posing a threat to national security.

"Ukraine has imposed sanctions against the producers and distributors of the Russian animated series 'Masha and the Bear'," Ukrainian Culture Minister Tetyana Berezhna said on X.

Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the hit Russian children's cartoon "Masha and the Bear," a step towards banning it. The culture minister called the show propaganda. Russia said the move showed Kyiv's "ugly nature."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine’s decision to ban the Russian animated series Masha and the Bear “demonstrates the ugliness of the Kyiv regime.”

Zelenskyy signs decree imposing sanctions on producers, accuses cartoon show of spreading 'pro-Russian propaganda'.

Ukraine sanctioned the creators of the Masha and the Bear cartoon — one of Russia’s most successful cultural exports — accusing the globally popular children’s cartoon of spreading pro-Russian narratives to young audiences.

Ukraine has sanctioned the producers and distributors of the popular Russian children’s cartoon “Masha and the Bear,” paving the way for its content to be blocked and monetization restricted. Kyiv says the series is a Kremlin propaganda tool with no place on Ukrainian children’s screens.

Kyiv accused “Masha and the Bear” of spreading “pro-Russia narratives” and posing a threat to Ukrainian national security.