Video hosting service YouTube has blocked three channels of the Russian animated series «Masha and the Bear» in Ukraine. These are the Russian-language, Ukrainian-language, and English-language versions of the project.
Video hosting service YouTube has blocked three channels of the Russian animated series «Masha and the Bear» in Ukraine. These are the Russian-language, Ukrainian-language, and English-language versions of the project.
This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation. All three sites were included in the sanctions list of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, put into effect by Decree of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Blocking these channels limits access to content for Ukrainian users, and also deprives Russia of a platform for making money and spreading hybrid influence.
Ukraine previously imposed restrictive measures against five individuals and four legal entities involved in the production and distribution of the series. The sanctions targeted Animaccord studio (the producer and copyright holder of the animated series), its founder, CEO, director, producer, and scriptwriters, all of whom pay taxes to the Russian budget.
As Ukrainian experts note, «Masha and the Bear» is a tool of «soft power» of the Russian Federation. The series spreads hidden pro-Russian narratives, aimed at a children’s audience, which is most vulnerable to manipulation.
Last year, the Russian cartoon «Masha and the Bear» topped the list of the most popular children’s YouTube channels in Ukraine .
