Jake Paul Faces Backlash For Announcing 'Fight' With Vladimir Putin

Jake Paul has divided public opinion for 'announcing' a fight with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The provocative YouTuber-turned-boxer often uses his social media to announce upcoming fights.

However, some were left unimpressed when Paul jokingly announced a fight with Putin yesterday, March 3.

The fake announcement comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues into its ninth day.

Paul announced the fake fight on Twitter, with the caption, 'Big news. Tickets on sale next week. #PaulPutin brought to you by @TimJDillon promotions.'

The post shows a photoshopped image of Paul and Putin in a mock-up fight poster.

Many, however, thought the tweet missed the mark, with one user saying, 'This tweet is not it bro,' and another asking, 'How is this even funny?'

Another added, 'Literally making fun of a World War? So mature.'

As per USA Today, the UN Human Rights Office has recorded 227 deaths, including 15 under the age of 18, as well as 525 injured, since the invasion began. It has, however, noted that the actual death toll is considerably higher.

The controversial post comes after Paul showed solidarity with the Ukrainian and Russian people on February 24, saying, 'My thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and Russia who are both going to suffer greatly from all of this mayhem.'

Since then, however, his comments have become more like – as one user put it – 'clout chasing at its finest'.

His brother, Logan, responded to the post and joined the 'fun'.

More than one million refugees are thought to have fled Ukraine amid the war.

When UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi announced the number, he said, 'In just seven days we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries. For many millions more, inside Ukraine, it’s time for guns to fall silent, so that life-saving humanitarian assistance can be provided.'

People are continuing to flee Ukraine as attacks continue, with the largest power plant in Europe, the Zaporizhzhia NPP, having been 'captured by military forces of the Russian Federation' this morning, March 4.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the attack in a video address, and accused Russia of 'nuclear terrorism', voicing his concerns about a potential explosion as a result of the plant being seized.

The Russian military reportedly shelled the building, which caused a fire at a nearby training facility.

The fire lasted for a few hours as emergency responders were shot at by Russian forces.

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.