Boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko has criticized Joe Rogan for ‘repeating Russian propaganda’ about the war in Ukraine.
The podcast host – and UFC color commentator – recently accused President Biden and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky of wanting to “start World War III.”
It came after the White House agreed to let Ukraine use powerful US-made missiles against Vladimir Putin’s invading forces.
“How are you allowed to do that on your way out?” Rogan said of Biden, who will leave office in January.
“There should be some kind of pause before major actions that could potentially trigger World War III.”
On Sunday, former world heavyweight champion Klitschko – whose brother Vitali is mayor of Kyiv – released a video attacking Rogan.
Joe Rogan has been criticized for ‘repeating Russian propaganda’ about the war in Ukraine
“Let me tell you that you are repeating Russian propaganda,” Wladimir Klitschko told Rogan
The 48-year-old, who last fought in 2017 after dominating the heavyweight division with his brother, accused the podcast host of using “the only weapon that (Vladimir) Putin really plans to use.”
“Joe Rogan, I listened to your latest podcast. I’m sending you this video to let you know that I don’t agree with it,” he began.
“You’re talking about these American weapons being sent to Ukraine, which you think will lead to World War III.
“So let me tell you that you are repeating Russian propaganda: Putin’s Russia is in trouble. So they want to scare you and people like you.
“His war should have lasted three days, but thanks to the heroism and sacrifice of us Ukrainians, it lasted three years.
“So you’re using the only weapon that Putin really intends to use: propaganda, and this weapon is really weakening our democracies.
“Putin’s Russia wants to quietly destroy Ukraine, they want America to stay quiet – not great. A great America is not an America that abandons countries that defend freedom with their lives.”
Klitschko offered to be a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience – one of the most popular podcasts in the world – so “we could discuss (these points) like free men.”
Biden has allowed Kiev to use the US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMs. It will give Ukraine gets the chance to strike deeper into Russia as Putin deploys thousands of North Korean troops.
The president’s move follows the presidential election victory of Donald Trump, who has said he would bring about a quick end to the war.
Trump’s victory left uncertainty over whether his administration would continue vital U.S. military support to Ukraine.