Kremlin reacts to Ukraine's sanctions on 'Masha and the Bear' creators

Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the creators of the globally popular animated series "Masha and the Bear," targeting the animation studio "Animaccord Studios" and its founder, CEO, director, scriptwriter, and co-producer. Ukrainian authorities justified the decision by stating that the cartoon, translated into numerous languages and watched worldwide, generates revenue for the Russian state and disseminates Kremlin propaganda.

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We must respond separately to Russian propaganda, especially when it is aimed at children and distributed through large international platforms.

"We must respond separately to Russian propaganda, especially when it is aimed at children and distributed through large international platforms," said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian president's commissioner for sanctions policy. The move reflects Ukraine's efforts to counter Russian influence, particularly through cultural channels that reach young audiences.

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further proof of the disgusting nature of the Kyiv regime.

In response, the Kremlin denounced Ukraine's sanctions. Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov described the sanctions against the animated series as "further proof of the disgusting nature of the Kyiv regime." He asserted that the cartoon "conquered the world" by promoting "the best human qualities."

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conquered the world.

This action follows a summer appeal by a group of British parliamentarians to the UK's Culture Secretary, urging streaming platforms to remove "Masha and the Bear" due to alleged Russian propaganda in some episodes. An "Animaccord" representative, Melanie Bonvicino, refuted these claims, calling them "false and defamatory" and emphasizing the studio's independent operation without Russian government funding. Based on a traditional Russian fairy tale, "Masha and the Bear" is one of the most-watched series on YouTube.

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promoting 'the best human qualities.'