Ukraine moves against Russian Kids’ cartoon

Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the producers and distributors of the popular Russian children’s cartoon “Masha and the Bear.” Ukrainian officials say the show may help spread a positive image of Russia and could pose a risk to the country’s national security.

According to Al Jazeera, Ukraine’s Culture Minister Tatiana Berezhna announced the decision on social media.  She said the sanctions could allow legal steps to limit the cartoon’s content and restrict its distribution and earnings on global platforms.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the related decree on Thursday.  The measures include Animaccord the studio behind the cartoon along with other people and organizations connected to the series.

A Worldwide Children’s hit

“Masha and the Bear” follows the adventures of a playful young girl named Masha and her friend a retired circus bear. The show has become hugely popular around the world.

Its YouTube videos have received more than 37 billion views while some individual episodes have been watched more than four billion times.  The cartoon is shown in around 100 countries.

Ukraine raises concerns

Ukraine and some of its allies, including the UK and Estonia have criticized the show. They argue that it presents Russia in a positive way and could be used as a form of soft power to increase Russian cultural influence.

Ukraine’s culture minister said children’s programs should not be used to promote Russian propaganda.  The government wants to reduce the cartoon’s reach inside Ukraine and also limit its income and distribution through international platforms.

Still popular in Ukraine

Despite the war and restrictions on Russian cultural content, “Masha and the Bear” remains popular among Ukrainian children. According to Ukrainska Pravda, the cartoon’s Ukrainian YouTube channel became the country’s most popular children’s channel in August last year. It now has more than 18 million followers.

Russia rejects the claims

Russia has rejected Ukraine’s accusations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov defended the cartoon saying it has become popular worldwide and promotes positive human values.

Ukraine had also raised concerns in June when Netflix reportedly sought rights to stream new seasons of the show. Following the latest sanctions Ukrainian authorities may take further steps to restrict the cartoon’s content and distribution in the country.