KIEV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed into law a new measure banning Russian films and television shows that glorify the country's military on Thursday.

The law, which was passed by Ukraine's parliament on Feb. 5 before being sent to Poroshenko for his signature, bans films and television shows made beginning in 2014. It is the latest in a series of measures designed to curb Russian propaganda in the country.

The measure would affect films and television made after Russia became involved in the conflict in Ukraine. However, it would not apply to anything produced in Ukraine or films produced jointly between Russia and Ukraine.

Підписав закон, який забороняє показ російських серіалів та фільмів. https://t.co/RNBI8h9HP0 pic.twitter.com/QmdIdUda7A — Петро Порошенко (@poroshenko) April 2, 2015

According to the new legislation:

Distribution and public screening of films made by Russian individuals and companies, as well as films containing propaganda and whose plots involve, directly or indirectly Russian law enforcement bodies (including positive portrayal), armed forces, other military or security forces and their individual representatives, authorities and forces, are hereby prohibited in Ukraine."

Oksana Romaniuk, director of the Kiev-based watchdog organization Institute of Mass Information, said the new law "will not have serious effect" on free speech issues. She added, however, that "it may stimulate [media to change] their editorial policies," implying that it could be a slippery slope.

"It's mostly a patriotic, psychological measure" taken as Kiev fights a physical war with Russia-backed separatists in the east, as well as an information war with Moscow over the airwaves and on the internet, Romaniuk said.

Russia's reaction to the new measure has been swift and critical, with some news outlets framing the move as a step toward "martial law." Russian state-run news outlet Sputnik said "media freedom in Ukraine has been severely restricted" by the Ukrainian government.

In recent months, Ukraine has taken several measures, including establishing the Ministry of Information Policy, which were critically received by journalists in the country. In February, journalists gathered outside Ukraine's parliament to protest against the measure.

The country has also created an iArmy to "fight back Russian occupants on the information front." The site encourages Ukrainians to sign up to receive tasks and a newsletter by email.