{
  "id": 2412890,
  "title": "After Zelensky bans ‘Masha and the Bear’ children’s show, Moscow accuses Kyiv of starting a ‘war on cartoons’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/after-zelensky-bans-masha-and-the-bear-childrens-show-moscow-accuses",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T17:09:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Meduza (English)",
    "slug": "meduza-english",
    "url": "https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/08/21/after-zelensky-bans-masha-and-the-bear-children-s-show-moscow-accuses-kyiv-of-starting-a-war-on-cartoons"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Moscow has accused Ukraine of launching a \"war on cartoons\" after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree sanctioning the creators of the Russian children's show Masha and the Bear. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Ukraine's ban as demonstrating the \"ugliness of the Kyiv regime,\" lamenting that the show's \"kindness, humanity, propaganda\" had \"won over the whole world.\" The sanctions target Animaccord, the production studio, and five individuals, alleging the series spreads pro-Russian narratives to children. Masha and the Bear has faced accusations of spreading Russian propaganda in other countries as well, including a British politician's open letter demanding its removal from streaming services. Animaccord denies the charges, stating that they haven't operated in Russia since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite its run since 2009, the show's latest season aired in 2025.",
  "summary": "Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine’s decision to ban the Russian animated series Masha and the Bear “demonstrates the ugliness of the Kyiv regime.”",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}