Russian President Vladimir Putin was swarmed by children in New York's Central Park after he was spotted riding a tiny tank.

James Colomina, an artist from France, created a sculpture of Putin in a park in New York.

A child pours sand on a statue of Russian President Vladimir Putin riding a tank created by French artist James Colomina in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 2, 2022.
A child pours sand on a statue of Russian President Vladimir Putin riding a tank created by French artist James Colomina in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 2, 2022.
Andrew Kelly/Reuters

The Russian leader is sitting on a miniature military tank in a squat.

Colomina wrote that the sculpture was intended to highlight children's courage when faced with violent, catastrophic situations caused by others.

A child points a water pistol at a statue of Russian President Vladimir Putin riding a tank created by French artist James Colomina in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 2, 2022.
A child points a water pistol at a statue of Russian President Vladimir Putin riding a tank created by French artist James Colomina in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 2, 2022.
Andrew Kelly/Reuters

There are bright red sculptures that pop up in public places. There are additional photos showing the same Putin sculptures.

The sculpture in New York shows kids embracing their new playmate by covering him with sand and using their water guns to shoot at him.

Children put sand on a statue of Russian President Vladimir Putin riding a tank created by French artist James Colomina in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 2, 2022.
Children put sand on a statue of Russian President Vladimir Putin riding a tank created by French artist James Colomina in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 2, 2022.
Andrew Kelly/Reuters

Russia launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine six months ago and the fighting continues in the east of the country.

It's not clear if the sculptures have been brought to the attention of Putin, who goes to great lengths to create a public perception of himself as strong and manly.

A child points a water pistol at a statue of Russian President Vladimir Putin riding a tank by French artist James Colomina in a playground in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 2, 2022.
A child points a water pistol at a statue of Russian President Vladimir Putin riding a tank by French artist James Colomina in a playground in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 2, 2022.
Andrew Kelly/Reuters