To ensure Kyiv’s victory, we must provide the necessary support following the potential Ukraine assassination attempt by Putin

Beware the days leading up to the beginning of the Russian presidential election, known as the Ides of March.

While attention was on Super Tuesday results in Washington, NATO and the world faced a crisis that brought them perilously close to the brink of World War III.

How close were they? Just the distance of two NFL football fields.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, after a covert meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Odesa, narrowly escaped a Russian missile explosion only 200 meters away.

The leaders had visited an area hit by a Russian drone strike that resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including five children.

Mitsotakis described the incident as a stark reminder of the ongoing war in the region.

Despite the close call, Greece reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, with Mitsotakis vowing to stand by their side in the face of adversity.

Had the missile strike been successful, it could have set off a chain of events leading to a full-scale war.

As a member of NATO, Greece’s response to such an attack could have invoked Article 5 of the alliance.

The motives behind the near-miss assassination attempt are still unclear, but Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggressive actions in the region are raising concerns globally.

Putin, ahead of his upcoming election, has been escalating tensions and utilizing various tactics to exert control both domestically and internationally.

Despite setbacks in the conflict, Putin remains a formidable force, with recent incidents highlighting the volatility of the situation.

The possibility of NATO troops entering Ukraine is a major concern for Putin, as it could spell the end of his military operations in the region.

The recent missile strike in Odesa, while narrowly avoided, underscores the high stakes involved and the potential for a larger conflict to erupt.

It is crucial for international leaders to address the escalating crisis and prevent further escalation that could lead to a devastating global conflict.

Putin’s actions highlight the lack of leadership in addressing the crisis, calling for a united front to counter Russian aggression and support Ukraine’s efforts.

History has shown that major wars often begin in moments of vacuum and miscalculation, underscoring the importance of swift and decisive action in preventing a catastrophic outcome.

It is imperative for global powers to work together to defuse the situation and prevent a potential third world war.

Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Sweet served 30 years as a military intelligence officer.