Joe Rogan accused of spreading 'Russian propaganda' by Ukrainian boxer over WWIII claims

Ukrainian boxing icon Wladimir Klitschko has publicly criticized Joe Rogan for "repeating Russian propaganda" after the podcast host claimed that U.S. and Ukrainian leaders could provoke a third World War. 

The controversy stems from Rogan’s recent podcast, where he accused President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of escalating tensions by allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-made missiles against Russian forces.

Rogan stated, "Zelensky says Putin is terrified. F*** you, man... f*** you, people. You people are about to start World War III," before taking aim at Biden, adding, "Maybe that would be a good thing we would like to avoid from a dying former president."

In response, Klitschko, a former world heavyweight champion and brother of Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, released a video message condemning Rogan's comments.

"Joe Rogan, I listened to your latest podcast. I am sending you this video to let you know that I disagree," he began. "You’re repeating Russian propaganda—Putin’s Russia is in trouble. So they want to scare you and people like you."

Klitschko highlighted the resilience of Ukrainians in the face of invasion, stating, "His war was supposed to last three days; it has lasted three years thanks to the heroism and sacrifice of us Ukrainians." 

He warned that spreading misinformation plays into Russia's strategy: "You’re using the only weapon that Putin really intends to use: propaganda. This weapon really weakens our democracies."

The former champion also invited Rogan to discuss these issues on his globally popular podcast, saying, "We could discuss these points like free men."

The debate follows Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to deploy U.S. Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against targets inside Russia. This move, coupled with Donald Trump’s recent presidential victory, has raised concerns about U.S. military support for Ukraine and the potential for increased global conflict.

While the Kremlin criticized Biden's decision, warning it adds "fuel to the fire," Klitschko emphasized that a "great America" supports nations defending freedom. 

"Putin's Russia wants to destroy Ukraine quietly. They want America to stay quiet—not great," he asserted.