Putin Renews Ukraine War for Fourth Season

Moscow – President Vladimir Putin announced today that Russia would be renewing the "Special Operation" in Ukraine for a fourth season.

"We have had many fruitful discussions," he said of his recent two hour phone call with the U.S. President Trump, "and decided that the strong ratings show it is worth continuing for at least one more season."

The decision was immediately heralded among the tightly-controlled Russian media, which commended Putin for continuing the story line.

Not everyone was positive. Many critics complain that the show started well in its first season with large and unpredictable plot lines, before slowing down in the second season and completely bogging down in the third.

In Ukraine, for example, the war is considered one of most unpopular shows since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The news is a particular blow to President Trump, who is actively encouraging Russia to bring the show to a conclusion, or at least transfer it to NBC where its rating would be higher.

Putin dismissed these criticisms with his usual confidence before promising that the next season would bring some "delightful" surprises. He further hinted at the possibility of spin-off shows to be shot at various European locations.