Zelenskyy imposed sanctions on the creators of "Masha and the Bear"
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed sanctions against the Russian studio “Animaccord,” which produced the animated series “Masha and the Bear,” as well as against its creators and distributors. A separate decree imposed sanctions on Yuriy Ivanyushchenko, a former member of parliament from the Party of Regions.
The president signed decrees No. 744 and No. 746 on August 20. The documents have already been published on the president’s website, so the sanctions took effect on the day of their publication.
Restrictions were imposed on five Russian citizens and four organizations that Ukraine links to the creation and distribution of the animated series “Masha and the Bear.” The studio “Animaccord,” which created the popular cartoon, has been sanctioned. The restrictions also apply to its founder and CEO, the screenwriter, director, and producer, as well as other individuals associated with the series.
The Office of the President stated that the animated series uses children’s content to spread pro-Russian narratives. According to Ukrainian authorities, this poses a threat to national security. This applies not only to the animated series itself but also to the people and companies involved in its creation and distribution.
What is known about the sanctions against Ivanyushchenko
A separate decree concerns Yuriy Ivanyushchenko, a former member of parliament from the Party of Regions. The Office of the President noted that Ivanyushchenko is a suspect in a criminal investigation into the legalization of land plots with a total value of over 160 million hryvnias. Additionally, according to the Office of the President, companies linked to him continue to operate in the territory of the temporarily occupied Crimea.
Ukrainian authorities also claim that Ivanyushchenko maintains ties with representatives of Russia’s criminal and business circles. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, according to the Office of the President, he has visited the Russian Federation on multiple occasions. Sanctions against all individuals and organizations named in the documents take effect upon the entry into force of the relevant presidential decrees. The relevant decrees, Nos. 744 and 746, were published on the president’s website on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the country’s diplomatic team is preparing personnel decisions and new approaches to its work. He specifically mentioned the U.S. track, where new appointments are expected following consultations. According to the head of state, Ukraine needs concrete results on the international stage.
