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Cross-party MPs ask ministers to review UK broadcast of Russian cartoon Masha and the Bear
A group of more than 50 MPs from six parties wrote to the culture secretary urging examination of whether the preschool series can continue on UK platforms. The letter cites episodes showing Soviet-era clothing and argues the content amounts to unsubtle propaganda.
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A cross-party group of more than 50 MPs has written to the culture secretary asking ministers to consider stopping broadcast of the Russian animated series Masha and the Bear in the United Kingdom. The letter states that certain episodes depict the four-year-old character wearing what the MPs describe as a tank-crew hat and Soviet-era uniform, as well as a cap historically associated with the NKVD.
The MPs argue these images normalise Soviet military iconography for young viewers. The series, based on a Russian folk tale, remains one of the most-viewed shows on YouTube, with one episode exceeding 4.6 billion views. It has been recommissioned for Netflix and continues to air on the ITV platform ITVX.
Concerns raised by MPs and allies The letter, overseen by a Liberal Democrat MP, references statements from Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation and Estonia’s foreign minister. Both described the programme as an instrument of Russian soft power that embeds militaristic themes.
The MPs wrote that British parents have a right to expect licensed platforms to apply proper scrutiny when credible concerns about state propaganda have been raised by UK allies.
Response from the studio A spokesperson for the Russian animation studio Animaccord, which produces the series, rejected the allegations. The spokesperson stated the show contains no political messaging and operates without state funding. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport declined to comment.
Officials indicated that decisions on programming remain with broadcasters provided content complies with Ofcom rules. ITV and Netflix were contacted but did not respond.
