Independent Spirit Awards hosts Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman took a brief moment during the awards ceremony to show support to Ukraine and tell Russian President Vladimir Putin to "f*** off". The 2022 Spirit Awards took place in California as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continued. Mullally and Offerman offered their "best wishes" to the people in Ukraine, reports variety.com. Howard Stern Slams Russian President Putin for Military Operation on Ukraine.

"I think we speak for everyone here when we say that we are hoping for a quick, peaceful resolution," Mullally said. "Specifically, f*** off and go home Putin!" "We hope Putin f*** off and goes home and to that end let's all join together with a Spirit Awards salute to Putin," Offerman added while he and Mullally stuck up their middle fingers to the camera. Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict, John Oliver Calls Out Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday’s Episode of Last Week Tonight.

Mullally added on a more serious note: "Great organisations are raising money (for Ukraine). Please give what you can to give to the victims of this senseless act of aggression." Shortly before the Spirit Awards kicked off, Netflix announced it was suspending its service in Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine.

The streaming giant had previously announced that it was pausing all future projects and acquisitions from Russia, joining a growing list of companies that have cut ties with the country. Major film studios such as Disney, Warner Bros. and Sony have all announced they will not distribute films in Russia amid the invasion.

TikTok also announced on the day the Spirit Awards that it was blocking Russian users from posting video to the platform because of the country's new law that threatens to severely punish the publication of "false information". On March 4, Russia passed a law making it illegal to publish "false information" about Russia's military. Violators face potential fines, forced labor and up to 15 years in prison.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 07, 2022 01:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).