A sculpture of Vladimir Putin riding a miniature tank popped up in New York's Central Park — and was quickly targeted by kids

• There is a sculpture of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the park.

• The installation was covered with sand and kids used their water guns to aim at it.

• A sculpture was placed in protest of the war in Ukraine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Business Insider has an article on it.