GENEVA – In the spirit of sportsmanship, US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin have sought to stop the Ukrainian conflict in Eastern Europe with an unorthodox approach. The solution—playing popular board game “Risk.”

President Obama addressed the media in saying, “President Putin and I have found common ground today. Even amid great tensions can two leaders sit down and share something special.” President Putin released a statement as well. “I learned most from playing ‘Risk.’ The game has a special place in my heart. Annexation. Force build-up. I look forward to rolling the dice with the American President.”

Whoever wins will decide the outcome of Ukraine. Yet, Putin still remains devoted to the idea that no Russian troops are in the Eastern European country. “If I lose, I’ll try to convince them as best as I can,” he said, referring to the Pro-Russian separatists.

Though this diplomatic solution will result in no actual shooting, the usual American voices at home have displayed violent criticism.

Sarah Palin has said, “Will Obama build up his armies in Africa? We will find out. Will he hold the North American continent? If not, we will form a committee to look into the reasoning as to why he didn’t hold it. Once and for all, we will determine whether the President is a Kenyan-born socialist.”

Secretary of State John Kerry applauded Obama’s willingness to face Putin in such a peaceful way. “The President has initiated a new way to interact in the international community. I call it board game diplomacy. Distant in tact, this method reminds the world how his administration has handled foreign affairs. Watch from afar and wait and see what happens.”

This morning, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko issued a statement regarding the match. “We weren’t consulted by either nation for participation in this great game. Everyone knows that ‘Risk’ plays better with three or more people.”

There are some guidelines for the match. Putin wants to broadcast the game live to Russia. But like most “Risk” games, interest falls off after two hours so it will be streamed picture-in-picture once regularly scheduled programming resumes.

This board game diplomacy could provide the closure Ukraine needs. And if this approach works, maybe more world leaders would adopt this method. North Korea and South Korea could officially end their conflict with a quick game of “Connect Four.” Israel and Palestine could finally broker peace with a soothing game of “Candyland.” And, maybe, just maybe, cats and dogs can finally resolve their differences with a simple game of checkers.