YouTube blocks 16 Russian channels in Ukraine, including ‘Masha and the Bear’ versions

YouTube has blocked access in Ukraine to 16 Russian channels, including foreign-language versions of the children’s cartoon “Masha and the Bear”. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said the channels were linked to propagandists, pro-war bloggers and entertainers who support Russia’s war; the restrictions form part of Kyiv’s efforts to curb Russian influence online.

The affected channels include those of war correspondent Alexander Sladkov, blogger Sergei Kolyasnikov and several performers, as well as “Russian SVO Compilations” and “Sevastopol Correspondent”. The move follows August sanctions against five Russian citizens and four organisations involved in producing or distributing the cartoon, and October’s reported blocking or removal of 39 other channels. The latest restrictions apply only to viewers in Ukraine.