Ukraine sanctions creators of hit Russian children’s cartoon

On 21 August 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the creators of the Russian children's cartoon 'Masha and the Bear'. The sanctions were announced over alleged Russian propaganda in the series. Il Giornale says Zelensky sanctioned the series, and German outlets say Ukraine banned it.

Moscow reacted with indignation, according to WELT. The series also runs on Germany's children's channel Kika.