Bizarre red statue of Putin riding tank appears in Rome children’s park

A bizarre red statue of Vladimir Putin has appeared in a playground in Rome, surprising residents and children.

Sitting in the park of Villa Borghese, children and visitors to the park were equal parts confused and intrigued by its appearance.

The statue, which depicts the Russian president sitting atop a miniature war tank, was erected by French artist James Colomina.

Colomina, known for his bright red street sculptures often installed in public locations without any prior warning, showed the epoxy resin sculpture to highlight the war in Ukraine.

The meaning behind the sculpture is supposed to embody what he says is Putin’s childish but dangerous behaviour.

He has previously installed the statue in Paris, Barcelona, and New York.