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UK MPs Demand Action Over “Masha” Russian Propaganda

7/3/2026

Summary

UK MPs Demand Action

50 UK MPs wrote to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy demanding action on “Masha and the Bear.”
Lib Dem MP Tom Gordon led the letter noting Netflix’s deal and citing episodes where Masha wears a cap.
Responses included Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation calling the series Russian soft-power propaganda, Estonia’s foreign minister Margus Tsahkna saying it embeds militaristic messaging, and Animaccord denying propaganda links, stating it never received funding.

Summary

Netflix Secures Rights

Netflix secured rights to Seasons 8 and 9 of “Masha and the Bear” and renewed earlier episodes.
The series will stream in over 100 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Ukrainian outlets say some viewers cancelled Netflix subscriptions in protest of the show’s continued distribution.
Netflix has not issued a public statement, prompting debate over cultural influence during Russia’s fifth-year invasion.

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UK MPs Demand Action

50 UK MPs wrote to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy demanding action on “Masha and the Bear.”
Lib Dem MP Tom Gordon led the letter noting Netflix’s deal and citing episodes where Masha wears a cap.
Responses included Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation calling the series Russian soft-power propaganda, Estonia’s foreign minister Margus Tsahkna saying it embeds militaristic messaging, and Animaccord denying propaganda links, stating it never received funding.

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