A cross-party group of UK MPs has urged ministers to take action against the Russian animated preschool series “Masha and the Bear,” calling on the government to examine whether the show should be removed from streaming services.

In a joint letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, the MPs said they were concerned the programme could function as a vehicle for Russian “soft power” and propaganda. They pointed to scenes they say include Soviet or military-style symbolism—such as Masha wearing what they describe as a tank-crew style helmet and other uniforms or caps resembling Soviet border imagery—arguing such visuals are inappropriate for young children and may normalise militaristic aesthetics.

The lawmakers cited the show’s continued availability on major platforms, including Netflix (which has renewed or extended rights for additional seasons) and ITVX in the UK, contending that children have broad access to content they believe has not been properly vetted.

Animaccord, the studio behind the cartoon, rejected the claims, saying the series is not political and has never received state funding. The studio has argued the show is entertainment focused on themes such as friendship, kindness, and imagination, and that the accusations are false and defamatory.

The dispute is also linked to broader Western controversy over Russian cultural exports since the war in Ukraine began, with UK officials noting that responsibility for platform catalogues typically sits with broadcasters, subject to regulatory requirements.