The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, communicated this Friday the application of sanctions against the popular Russian animated series 'Masha and the Bear' for "promoting a positive image of the aggressor state" and serving as a "tool of influence" in the context of the Russian invasion of the country.
The decision, already previously approved by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, targets five individuals linked to the creation and distribution of these cartoons, according to a note released by the Ukrainian Presidency.
"Russia uses culture and entertainment as a tool of influence. Even children's animation can be part of this strategy by promoting a positive image of the aggressor state. The funds obtained are used for the purchase of weapons. Therefore, Ukraine systematically responds to these threats and uses all available legal mechanisms to limit their influence both nationally and internationally," declared Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture, Tetiana Berezhna.
The personal sanctions affect Natalia Grishaeva, born on January 1, 1964; Igor Derkach, born on October 30, 1964; Oleg Kuzovkov, born on October 22, 1960; Marina Kuzmina, born on June 28, 1982; and Dmitrii Loveiko, born on January 5, 1965.
Alongside them, the measure includes four companies: Studio Animaccord LLC, directly responsible for the production of the series; Masha and the Bear LLC, focused on licensing and international distribution of the brand; as well as Animaccord Ltd and Studio MiM LLC.
According to information released by Ukrainian authorities, the series 'Masha and the Bear' has allegedly been used for years by Russia to project a friendly image of the country among young audiences in different parts of the world. "Behind the apparent apolitical nature of children's content lies a systematic effort to foster loyalty towards the aggressor country, and the producers continue to receive significant benefits through a network of companies," the text states.
"The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine will continue to support measures aimed at protecting the Ukrainian information space and reducing the economic capacity of entities linked to the aggressor state," it has pointed out, emphasizing that these sanctions "are part of the attempts to counter hybrid threats and set a precedent for future actions with other Russian products that continue to finance the war against Ukraine."