The Times, March 17, 2024
Event
The dictator has secured a new six-year term in the Russian election. How will it affect the war in Ukraine, China and relations with the US? Armed with the world’s biggest stockpile of nuclear weapons and surrounded by sycophantic officials who portray him as the living embodiment of Russian statehood, Putin has the power to change the lives of everyone in Europe, if not the entire world. Putin and other senior Russian officials have warned repeatedly that the Kremlin could use nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine. Such comments are usually viewed as an attempt to intimidate western countries into limiting their support for Kyiv. However, many fear that the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons — especially smaller, tactical warheads that are designed for use on the battlefield — has become dangerously low in Moscow. Putin’s morbid fascination with the massive destructive power of Russia’s arsenal means that the nightmarish scenario of nuclear conflict cannot be ruled out.
Commment
In the Bible we read about events that happen at the time of the end. Incredibly they appear to focus on one particular man. Out of 8 billion people on the earth living in the last generation one ruler is singled out by God. It is the man, Gog. He is mentioned as an individual ruler in Ezekiel 38, Daniel 8 and Daniel 11. We are told where he lives, what he thinks, what he does, what he is like, when he lives, how he works, where he works, what God thinks of him, how he comes to his end. We are told he is ruler of Russia who came to power from obscurity. He is proud and ruthless and causes shocking destruction. He loves wealth and riches. He rewards those who submit to him. He invades Israel to take a spoil. But he is destroyed by God. Putin could be that man…
Bible quote
he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for a gain. (Daniel 11:38-39 NKJV)
Kremlin, in change of language, says Russia is ‘at war’
The Times, March 22, 2024
Event
Russia regards itself to be at war due to the West’s intervention on Ukraine’s side, the Kremlin said, shifting the language it uses to describe the conflict in an apparent move to prepare Russians for a longer and harder struggle. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s comments, first to the Russian publication Arguments and Facts and then to reporters on a conference call on Friday, may sound unremarkable to Ukrainian and Western ears. But inside Russia, where people have been told for the past two years to refer to the war in Ukraine as a “special military operation” – a phrase designed to underline the initially limited nature of the conflict – they represent a departure and look like part of a shift to prepare people mentally for a conflict which may require more sacrifices from them.
“We are in a state of war. Yes, it started out as a special military operation, but as soon as this group was formed, when the collective West became a participant in this on the side of Ukraine, it became a war for us,”
Peskov said.
Comment
Since Putin has been re-elected and the terror attack at a concert hall in Moscow the Russian rhetoric has changed. The Kremlin is now talking about war in Ukraine not a special military operation. It is highly likely that the population is being prepared for further call up of reservists and more extreme methods of warfare to be used. Putin will not back down and will resort to whatever it takes to achieve some form of victory in Ukraine. The eastern side of Ukraine was part of ancient Magog and it is no coincidence it is this part of Ukraine that Putin wants.
By dividing Ukraine it will stop the country functioning as a coherent nation and therefore will stop them from joining NATO. Putin is even more dangerous with his so-called landslide election as God said he would be…
Bible quote
Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out (Ezekiel 38:2-3)
Russia raises stakes with moves along Israel’s borders
i24, March 28, 2024
Event
As Russian warships from the Pacific Fleet enter the Red Sea amid heightened tensions, and with Russian forces establishing new observation posts along the Israel-Syria border, questions arise about Russia’s intentions in the Middle East. Simultaneously, Russian forces continue to expand their presence in the Syrian Golan Heights, with plans to inaugurate an 11th observation post soon. The recent surge in Russian involvement in the region, particularly concerning Israel, since October 7, prompts two main interpretations. Firstly, Russia appears to be asserting itself in the Red Sea, aligning its actions with its rhetoric. By deploying ships to the Red Sea amidst escalating tensions, Russia is signaling its willingness to engage in the volatile maritime arena, potentially altering the dynamics of the region significantly. The second interpretation suggests that Moscow is sending a clear message to Jerusalem. Recent tensions between the two nations, particularly regarding Russia’s support for Hamas and Israel’s statements in support of Ukraine, may have prompted Russia to increase its military presence along Israel’s borders as a form of diplomatic pressure.
Comment
Tensions are increasing between Russia and Israel. Russia is not happy with Israel’s determination to destroy the enemies that surround it. Therefore, Russia is increasing its presence southern Syria – near the border of Israel. Another aspect that will cause anger with Putin is the fact that the EU have begun to import gas from Israel. The EU have all but turned off gas imports from Russia and are now looking for new energy suppliers. Israel is fulfilling some of that requirement.
We know that Gog (Russia leader) descends into Israel to take a spoil. The greatest spoil Putin wants is gas….
Bible quote
And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, To take a spoil, and to take a prey (Ezekiel 38:11-12)
Weekly World Watch, Andy Walton
Some View on the World 