A schoolgirl accused of vandalism by officials painted the office of Smeshariki.

      On August 27, 2026, 17:19 Society Ksyusha Shendrygina, a 14-year-old girl from the city of Bolokhovo in the Tula region, lived an ordinary life: she prepared for school lessons, drew, and enjoyed the last days of the departing summer. But everything changed after a drawing she made with oil pastels at the playground. The girl depicted the Smeshariki characters Krosh, Yozhik, and Nyusha. However, this simple act of creativity provoked a furious reaction from local officials. They believed that the drawings had harmed municipal property and contacted the police.

      News of the incident quickly spread across the country. People from different cities expressed their support for Ksyusha, and the governor of the Tula region personally intervened in the situation. Then Ksyusha was invited as a guest by the creators of the animated series "Smeshariki" - the GK "Riki" company, reports "KP-Petersburg."

      "I dream of becoming an animator, so this is very interesting for me," Ksyusha admitted when she first stepped into the company's office.

      The office tour began with a collection of more than 12,000 figurines from around the world, including Disney characters. Then, in the recording studio, Ksyusha met Vadim Bochanov, the voice of Barash. He was recording another episode of the cartoon, and Ksyusha was shown how the voiceover process works.

      The next stop was the animation studio, where Ksyusha saw how the characters come to life. She was amazed by the complexity of the work and how every little detail is literally drawn out. The girl noted the names of the computer programs to try to create a cartoon on her own at home.

      Ksyusha has been passionate about drawing since childhood and is self-taught. She has no favorite style; she draws whatever comes to her mind. This passion led her to the playground in Tula. According to Ksyusha, pastel paints wash off easily with soap, so she cannot be called a vandal.

      "When I was drawing Yozhik, little kids sat around me and watched closely. It was my first experience drawing at a playground. Only once did I depict three characters from a computer game on the alley. And the playground attracted me with its green color. The Smeshariki seemed to be lying on the green lawn, just like in the cartoon," Ksyusha recalls.

      These are the very Smeshariki at the playground. Photo: Administration of the city of Bolokhovo, Kirievsky district.

      After the criticism from officials, Ksyusha became popular. She made new acquaintances, became a member of the children's council at the Ministry of Construction of the Tula region, and participated in various events.

      "Before, I just walked and drew. Now there are so many events! Trips, contests, so much attention. I hold no grudges or anger towards the officials. I move on. I want to leave this story behind, focusing on my creativity," Ksyusha shares.

      The final moment of the tour was a symbolic event: Ksyusha drew Smeshariki on the wall in the producer's office of the animated project. This was the very drawing she made at the playground in Bolokhovo. The GK "Riki" promised to support Ksyusha if she decides to connect her future with animation.

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