Russia 2015 As a new year dawns

Russia 2015

As a new year dawns, the world awaits Putin’s next move Daily Telegraph, January 1, 2015 EVENT Putin is a dangerous leader who will have to decide early in 2015 whether to scale back his ambitions. President Putin has steered Russia into economic crisis with remarkable speed. At the start of 2014, Russia seemed set to enjoy another year of healthy growth; by November, the country was officially in recession. Falling oil prices, Western sanctions and Mr Putin’s own mismanagement all explain the sudden plunge. Academics will argue over which factor has proved the most damaging; what matters is that Mr Putin has courted disaster by confronting the entire Western world. Mr Putin also mounted a shadowy invasion of Ukraine, sending thousands of Russian troops over the border. All this claimed about 5, 000 lives and forced 500, 000 refugees to flee their homes. With this record, how will Mr Putin react to Russia’s spiralling economic crisis? That will, perhaps, be the vital question for 2015. COMMENT This is indeed the vital question for 2015. What will Putin do next? Russia is isolated from the western world. It is still embroiled in a proxy war with Ukraine. It has massive economic issues due to sanctions and the drop in oil price. With Bible in hand we are told two clear things about Gog (Putin). Firstly God puts hooks in his jaws to bring him down to take a spoil from Israel. He is literally unable to resist the “pull” of the riches (quite possibly the recent gas finds Israel has made) he sees there. So there is a pull by God using the spoil. But we also read of a push in Daniel 11 v 40. The push is from the king of the south ie America and Britain. The push is a provocation – possible a military provocation. We are seeing this happen as well. America is pushing Russia into a corner with sanctions and possibly helping drive down the oil price. 2015 may well see Putin make more moves – SOUTH… BIBLE QUOTE And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: (Ezekiel 38: 2)

Russia 'has deteriorated significantly' as Fitch cuts credit rating Daily Telegraph, January 9, 2015 EVENT Fitch has downgraded Russia's credit rating and painted a horrific picture of a struggling economy rocked by a collapsing rouble, falling oil prices, high inflation and declining international reserves. The ratings agency cut the country to BBB- from BBB with a negative outlook, meaning further downgrades are possible. But it was the language Fitch used in its reasoning that was most shocking. Russia's economic outlook "has deteriorated significantly" in just six months, Fitch stated. Gross Domestic Product will shrink 4 pc this year, the agency added, far worse than the 1. 5 pc contraction it previously expected. "Growth may not return until 2017, " Fitch said. Western sanctions, imposed after President Vladimir Putin's took Russia into neighbouring Ukraine, "continue to weigh on the economy" but the plunging oil price is causing just as much, if not more, damage to one of the world's energy giants. COMMENT The real pressure on Russia is coming from falling oil prices. They are now 50% cheaper than just 6 months ago! Russia needs oil to be $105 a barrel to break even. It is now $50 a barrel. There are those who think it could drop to $45 and below. But what is totally amazing are these words published in 1849 – yes over 150 years ago – by brother John Thomas…. “Let the Russian treasury be as empty as it is said to be, and its expenditure exceed its revenue by double the alleged deficit, it will only operate as a pressure from within, causing her autocrat to enter into the countries, and to overflow and pass over, and to enrich himself with the spoil of those he is destined to subdue. ” How did this man know that Russia would be in such a dire financial situation at the time of the end? Well he put two and two together using the Bible. Russia wants a spoil- therefore Russia must be desperate for it. Russia must be financially weak… BIBLE QUOTE It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: 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 (Ezekiel 38: 10 -12) nor gates, To take a spoil,

Gorbachev: Crisis in Ukraine could trigger nuclear war Daily Telegraph, January 11, 2015 EVENT Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet leader, has warned that the world is at risk of a “nuclear war” because of the tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine. In an interview with the German magazine Spiegel, Mr Gorbachev said that if either side lost its nerve in the current stand-off, it could lead to nuclear war, and spoke of his fears that the world “will not survive the next few years”. “I actually see all the signs of a new Cold War, ” Mr Gorbachev said. “It could all blow up at any moment if we don’t take action. The loss of confidence is catastrophic. Moscow does not believe the West, and the West does not believe Moscow. ” Asked if he thought the situation could lead to a war, Mr Gorbachev said: “Don’t even think of it. Such a war today would probably lead inevitably to nuclear war. But the statements and propaganda on both sides make me fear the worst. If anyone loses their nerve in this charged atmosphere, we will not survive the next few years. ” COMMENT The 83 -year-old ex leader of the USSR has spoken out about the current stand-off between Russia and the West before. Last year he used a speech in Berlin on the 25 th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall to warn: “The world is on the brink of a new Cold War”. Gorbachev has been critical of his successor, Vladimir Putin, accusing him in a recent book of overconfidence and believing himself to be “second only to God”. Notice that he says “it could all blow up at any moment”. This is so true. The whole world is stood on the edge of a precipice. The time is fast approaching when the whole world will be judged. The time of trouble such as never was will be unparalleled in all history. The world will be shaken like a drunkard, fire will sweep the earth and hailstones weighing 75 pounds will fall from heaven. Let us prepare spiritually now… BIBLE QUOTE every island disappeared, and all the mountains were leveled. There was a terrible hailstorm, and hailstones weighing as much as seventy-five pounds fell from the sky onto the people below. They cursed God because of the terrible plague of the hailstorm. (Revelation 16: 20 -21)

Russia to step up combat capabilities in Crimea Reuters, January 13, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE Russia's top general said on Tuesday he would beef up combat capabilities this year in Crimea, the Arctic and the country's westernmost Kaliningrad region that borders two NATO states. The remarks by General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, are likely to deepen concern in the West over what it sees as Russia increasingly flexing its muscles since the start of the crisis in Ukraine. NATO's top military commander, General Philip Breedlove, said the alliance was already looking at stepping up exercises in the Baltic Sea region in response to a rise in Russian military manoeuvres there late last year. "In 2015, the Defence Ministry will focus its efforts on increasing the combat capabilities of its units and increasing combat strength in accordance with the military development plans, " Gerasimov told Russian journalists. Russia deployed 14 military jets to Crimea last November as part of a squadron of 30 that will be stationed there, making clear it intends to strengthen its presence on the peninsula since annexing it from Kiev last March. Russia's "militarization" of Crimea is almost certainly going to be used to exert control over the Black Sea. The Black Sea gives Russian ships access straight into the Mediterranean. We know with Bible in hand that Russia comes with “many ships” when it attacks Israel and Egypt. The taking of Crimea is a step in this direction. The pressure is continuing to build on Putin. Oil has dropped again this week. It’s now at $47 a barrel. Putin needs it to be at $105 to balance the books. As we reported last week Putin may actually spark conflict to bring the price back up again… Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will attack the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. He will enter the glorious land of Israel, and many nations will fall (Daniel 11: 40 -41)

Russia and Iran sign military cooperation deal Associated Press, January 20, 2015 EVENT Iran and Russia signed an agreement Tuesday to expand military ties in a visit to Tehran by the Russian defence minister. Sergei Shoigu, in remarks carried by Russian news agencies, said Moscow wants to develop a "long-term and multifaceted" military relationship with Iran. He said that the new agreement includes expanded counterterrorism cooperation, exchanges of military personnel for training purposes and an understanding for each country's navy to more frequently use the other's ports. Iran's Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan urged greater cooperation as a means of opposing American ambitions in the region. Moscow and Tehran have staunchly supported Syrian President Bashar Assad throughout Syria's civil war, while Washington advocates regime change and supports rebel groups. "Iran and Russia are able to confront the expansionist intervention and greed of the United States through cooperation, synergy and activating strategic potential capacities, " Dehghan said. "As two neighbours, Iran and Russia have common viewpoints toward political, regional and global issues. " COMMENT Russia as we know has been seriously hit by the economic sanctions following its annexation of Crimea and the on-going conflict in Ukraine. But now, partly in retaliation to America and partly because it needs the cash, it has stepped up its economic and military ties with Iran. And so on Tuesday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu signed a military cooperation deal with Iran. His Iranian counterpart touted the agreement as a joint response to US "interference. ” The Bible says that Russia will act as a guard to Iran. The word guard is normally translated “ward”’. In this sense it means to protect, to be a guardian. We see Russia acting exactly like this with Iran… BIBLE QUOTE Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. (Ezekiel 28: 22 -24) Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day. We see here a guard as a protector. (Nehemiah 4: 22)

Russia orders snap test of nuclear missiles News. Week, January 20, 2015 EVENT Russia has ordered a snap drill of its Strategic Missile Troops (RVSN), which control the country's 305 land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear warheads, according to a statement issued by the units high command today. More than 1, 200 servicemen have been drafted to take part in the test exercises, Colonel Igor Yegorov from the RVSN said. Throughout 2015, we have planned at least four similar such drills, he added. Last October, Yegorov said that by the start of 2015, up to 1, 000 troops from the RVSN would be charged with what he called particularly dangerous work with nuclear arms. The drills, which Yegorov says aim to educate Russia's missile unit in antiterrorist combat, are due to take place in the Uzhurskoe rocket facilities, in Siberia, between the central Russian cities of Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk. COMMENT The announcement of this drill follows a report in the Boston Globe on Thursday which said that Russia had explicitly and abruptly ended its nuclear partnership with the US. This partnership and agreement has allowed Washington to monitor and help secure Russia’s military stockpile since 1992. The declaration has effectively ended one of the most successful areas of cooperation between the former Cold War adversaries. This week the Doomsday Clock was moved forward two minutes and now stands at three minutes to midnight. Basically a team of scientists try to predict how close the world is to “doomsday” – or the end of the world. One of the key reasons for moving the clock closer to midnight is because of the new Cold War and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. With Bible in hand we don’t need a doomsday clock. We know that worldwide judgement is at hand. The world is about to go through a terrible time of trouble… BIBLE QUOTE and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, (Daniel 12: 1 -2)

Gorbachev warns of hot war between Russia, West CBS News, January 29, 2015 EVENT Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union’s last leader and widely credited for helping end the cold war, today blamed the West and the US in particular for “dragging” Russia into what he says could be a larger, “hot war” over Ukraine. "Unfortunately I cannot say for sure that a cold war won't lead to a 'hot' one, ” Mr. Gorbachev was quoted. “I fear they could take the risk. ” In comments to Interfax news service, Mr. Gorbachev weighed in on the Ukraine crisis, which has taken more than 5, 000 lives since the spring, saying an American thirst for “dominance” is behind the crisis. "Where will that lead all of us? ” he said. “A cold war is already being waged openly. What's next? ” Gorbachev lashed out especially against sanctions: "All you hear is about sanctions towards Russia from America and the European Union. Have they totally lost their heads? " COMMENT Another week and another dire warning to the world from the ex Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. He is deeply concerned that the West is not understanding the situation. He believes that not only is the Cold War back but that it could soon become a “hot war”. A full scale military conflict essentially between Russia and America (the West). Heavy fighting has continued this week in eastern Ukraine and the EU has agreed more sanctions on Russia. So the question is – could there be conflict between Russia and the West (NATO, Europe / US) ? Well we know the Europe is divided into east and west when Christ returns. We know this from Daniel’s image with two legs. The Roman Empire split into two. They never unite. We can therefore expect division between the eastern half (Russia) and the western half (Europe). We also know there is a push (military provocation) by the king of the south (US) against king of the north (Russia) BIBLE QUOTE Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will attack the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. (Daniel 11: 40 NLT)

Warplanes scrambled to intercept Russian bombers Daily Telegraph, January 29, 2015 EVENT More than 100 Russian aircraft were intercepted last year, three times more than during the whole of 2013. RAF fighter jets on high alert were scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers as they approached British shores this week, it has emerged. The Typhoon fighters were ordered to fly alongside the long-range Russian Bear aircraft – which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons – until they left the UK's “area of interest”. The jets were launched on Wednesday from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, the Ministry of Defence confirmed. From a distance of around 1, 000 ft, they escorted the Russian pilots for about half an hour as they passed over the Channel and south of Bournemouth and Portsmouth. At no point did the foreign aircraft enter UK airspace. Yet experts said the Russian manoeuvre could be interpreted as an act of aggression, timed to test British readiness. COMMENT Elizabeth Quintana, who works for the defence think-tank the Royal United Services Institute, said this week: “This case is very unusual. Normally Russian Bears come past Norway and down the North Sea. It could have been used to probe the RAF speed of reaction south. ” On Wednesday, Britain summoned the Russian ambassador to explain why two Russian long-range bombers flew over the English Channel on Wednesday, dangerously close to passenger planes. The Russian planes were flying without their transponders turned on, making them invisible to civilian aircraft. A number of flights arriving in Britain had to be diverted to avoid potential disaster. Putin is testing Britain’s responses. He is pushing back ever more aggressively. We are watching Russia prepare and get ready for conflict. BIBLE QUOTE a fierce king, a master of intrigue, will rise to power. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause a shocking amount of destruction and succeed in everything he does. He will destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people. He will be a master of deception and will become arrogant; he will destroy many without warning. (Daniel 8: 23 -25 NLT)

Russia extends olive branch to Greeks CNBC, January 30, 2015 EVENT Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told CNBC that Russia would consider giving financial help to debt-ridden Greece just days after the new Greek government questioned further European Union sanctions against Russia. Siluanov said Greece had not yet requested Russia for assistance, but he did not rule out an agreement between the two countries if Greece came asking. "Well, we can imagine any situation, so if such a petition is submitted to the Russian government, we will definitely consider it, but will take into account all the factors of our bilateral relationships between Russia and Greece, so that is all I can say. If it is submitted we will consider it, " Siluanov told CNBC in an exclusive interview in Moscow on Thursday. Siluanov's comments come two days after Greece's new left-wing-led government distanced itself from calls to increase sanctions against Russia indicating that Greece could be looking east to Russia for support. COMMENT There was a political earthquake in Europe last weekend as the Greeks voted for an ultra left wing government that promised to renegotiate the debt deal done with Europe last year. They want Europe to right off half its debt instead of paying it back. The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has ruled out any cancelling of debt but said she wanted Greece to stay in the Euro. And that is the issue. If Greece insists on cancellation of debt it might well force them out of the Euro. And then in comes Russia! Russia said this week they are prepared to help Greece financially. Russia would love to see Europe suffer and watch the Euro break up. It would be payback for them encroaching into its territories ie Ukraine. It is possible that 10 nations forge ahead in Europe and leave Greece (and others) behind… BIBLE QUOTE The ten horns of the beast are ten kings who have not yet risen to power. They will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment to reign with the beast. They will agree to give him their power and authority. (Revelation 17: 12 NLT)

Putin blames politics for Russian ratings downgrade Daily Telegraph, January 27, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE The decision to cut the status of Russian government debt to “junk” on Monday was politically motivated, Vladimir Putin has said. Standard and Poor’s (S&P), a ratings agency, slashed the rating it holds on Russian sovereign debt from BBB- to BB+, taking it below investment grade status for the first time in a decade. A prolonged oil price slump and heavy sanctions over tensions in Ukraine have weighed heavily on the Russian economy. The rouble has slid by close to 49 pc against the dollar since the beginning of 2014 as a result. More sanctions may soon be deployed, making things harder still. S&P said: “The reason for the deviation is a significant change in our perception of Russia’s monetary flexibility. ” Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian President, said that the decisions: “Are politically motivated, and consequently it’s unlikely that wise companies can and should take them into account. ” Russia is in serious trouble itself from a cash flow point of view. It is massively dependent on gas / oil prices staying high. Currently the prices are 50% lower than it needs them to be. So Putin is cutting back. He announced this week cuts of 10% on planned spending APART FROM defence and social spending. He said that Russia needed to preserve its international might and social stability. Russia extended its buying spree of gold to a ninth straight month. Gold is purchased by governments in times of crisis and impending war. Gold is more stable than currencies and equities when conflict occurs. Putin sees the downgrading of its financial position to junk status as politically motivated. We recall the words of Bro John Thomas who said that the Russian treasury would be empty and this would act as a pressure for Gog to descend. Let the Russian treasury be as empty as it is said to be, and its expenditure exceed its revenue by double the alleged deficit, it will only operate as a pressure from within, causing her Autocrat to "enter into the countries and to overflow and pass over, " and to enrich himself with the spoil of those he is destined to subdue. (Elpis Israel )

Putin could attack Baltic states warns ex Nato chief Daily Telegraph, February 5, 2015 EVENT Vladimir Putin has dangerous ambitions beyond Ukraine and aims to test Western resolve in the Baltic states, the former head of Nato has warned. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the former secretary-general of the Atlantic alliance, said the Kremlin’s true goal is to shatter Nato solidarity and reassert Russian dominance over Eastern Europe. “This is not about Ukraine. Putin wants to restore Russia to its former position as a great power, ” he told The Telegraph. “There is a high probability that he will intervene in the Baltics to test Nato’s Article 5, ” he said, referring to the solidarity clause that underpins collective security. “Putin knows that if he crosses the red line and attacks a Nato ally, he will be defeated. Let us be quite clear about that. But he is a specialist in hybrid warfare, ” he said. COMMENT Putin wants to dominate Eastern Europe. Specifically he wants to bring back under control countries that were once part of the USSR. Lithuania is an example. It was part of the USSR but now is in the European Union. Ukraine was once in the USSR but then became an independent nation. Now Ukraine wants to become part of the EU. Russia will not allow this to happen. Therefore it sends its troops in to wrestle Ukraine back under its control. There is a huge amount at stake. In effect Putin is saying the European project has gone far enough. Putin will allow no more nations that border Russia to join Europe. In fact he may even try to break up the EU as we know it. This is why the masters of the European project, Germany and France, rushed to Moscow this week to see Putin to try to stop Russia doing anything more. East and West are colliding. Daniel’s image ids divided as prophesied. BIBLE QUOTE As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay. “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven (Daniel 2: 42 -44 NIV) will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed,

Kremlin pursues military modernization despite economic woes Associated Press, February 4, 2015 EVENT Hundreds of new Russian aircraft, tanks and missiles are rolling off assembly lines. Russian jets roar through European skies under NATO's wary eye. Tens of thousands of troops take part in war games showing off the military's readiness for all-out war. The muscle flexing suggests that Russia's economic woes so far are having no impact on the Kremlin's ambitious military modernization program. Most Russian economic sectors face a 10 percent cut this year as Russia heads into recession. The military budget, meanwhile, rose by 33 percent to about 3. 3 trillion rubles (some $50 billion). The buildup reflects President Vladimir Putin's apparent readiness to raise the ante in a showdown with the West over Ukraine — but it is unclear whether Russia can afford the modernization drive amid slumping oil prices and Western sanctions. COMMENT Russia has renewed its military might and despite economic difficulties is pressing ahead with expansion. The West first got a sense of Russia's revived military might during last February's Crimea invasion. The U. S. and its NATO allies were caught off guard when waves of Russian heavy-lift military transport planes landed on the Black Sea peninsula days after Ukraine's former Moscow-friendly president was ousted, unloading special forces which swiftly took over key facilities in the region and blocked Ukrainian troops at their bases. Dressed in unmarked uniforms and equipped with state -of-the-art weapons, the Russian troops were a far cry from the ragtag demoralized force the military was just a few years ago. We are watching Putin prepare to fulfil his ambition… that is to revive the empire of Russia. To become a superpower with worldwide influence. As the West cuts back on military might Russia is building it. BIBLE QUOTE Get ready; be prepared! Keep all the armies around you mobilized, and take command of them. A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war (Ezekiel 38: 7 -8 NLT)

U. S. sending 'tankbuster' jets to Russia's doorstep Daily Mail, February 13, 2015 EVENT The U. S. Air Force is sending 12 of its 'tankbuster' jets back Europe as part of the response to Russia's intervention in Ukraine. The European command revealed the group of A-10 s will be deployed as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve which was set up last year after Putin's troops annexed Crimea. They will be stationed at Spangdahlem air base in Germany along with 300 airman so they can be called to action by Eastern European allies at short notice. Senior officials said the unit were being sent to reassure allies their commitment to European security is still a 'priority' following months of tension in the region. Designed in the 1970 s, the aircraft also known as a Warthog was developed to support ground troops against the armoured tanks of the Soviet Union. Tom Jones, vice commander, United States Air Forces in Europe, said in a statement: 'The Air Force is increasing rotational presence in Europe to reassure our allies. ’ COMMENT As Britain ups the rhetoric against Russia, America has begun to respond to the Russian aggression by sending a deployment of fearsome “tank busting” A-10 (known as the Warthog) aircraft to deter Russia from further aggression. The A-10 was used in combat for the first time during the Gulf War in 1991, destroying more than 900 Iraqi tanks, 2, 000 other military vehicles and 1, 200 artillery pieces. As the article says it was originally designed to combat Russian tanks. America is sending a clear message to Russia by sending these aircraft to Europe. And so Europe stands on the brink. The next 24 hours will show if Putin will abide by the ceasefire or not. If he doesn’t we may see the US and UK authorise military support of Ukraine. We may be on the brink of conflict. The new Cold War may soon be Hot…. BIBLE QUOTE If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. The word “gore” used here is the same word for “push” in Daniel 11: 40 where the king of the south pushes at the king of the north. The Hebrew word means to strike with a horn of wild animal (like a warthog!) (Daniel 8: 23 -25 NLT)

Vladimir Putin's Egypt visit sends message to U. S. Guardian, February 9, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE Russian president Vladimir Putin has flown to Cairo for a two-day visit, in a move nominally aimed at bolstering bilateral ties with Egypt that also allows both countries to send pointed messages to the US. As Russian and western diplomats struggle to reach a peace deal over the conflict in Ukraine, Putin will spend Monday evening at Cairo’s opera house. In meetings on Tuesday, the day before the resumption of Ukraine peace talks, Putin is expected to hold discussions about ending the use of the US dollar in bilateral trade between Egypt and Russia. Collaboration between a Russian and Egyptian newspaper is also reported to be scheduled for discussion. Egypt’s flagship state newspaper printed a long feature about Putin that called him “a hero of our era”. But the fact that the posters were mostly written in English, rather than Russian or Arabic, suggested their target audience lies overseas. Russian president Vladimir Putin arrived in Egypt to a hero’s welcome. The Financial Times reported the following in relation to this visit…”The visit is the latest sign of Russia attempting to reassert its commercial and strategic interests in the Middle East, an agenda that has included bolstering support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. ” This is indeed a sign of Russia asserting itself in the Middle East. Putin is very interested in this area. Egypt over the last 40 years has been an ally of America but Putin wants to weaken US influence in the world and therefore wants to strengthen ties with countries like Egypt. Daniel 11 it says that Russia will sweep down through Israel into Egypt. But we also read of this in Isaiah 19. We are told a fierce king will one day rule over Egypt. The word fierce is used another time- in Daniel 8 the fierce king… And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 19: 4) And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. (Daniel 8: 23)

Nato: Russian tensions could escalate into all-out war Daily Telegraph, February 20, 2015 EVENT Tensions with Russia could blow up into all-out conflict, posing “an existential threat to our whole being”, Britain’s top general in Nato has warned. Gen Sir Adrian Bradshaw, deputy commander of Nato forces in Europe, said there was a danger Vladimir Putin could try to use his armies to invade and seize Nato territory, after calculating the alliance would be too afraid of escalating violence to respond. His comments follow a clash between London and Moscow after the Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, said there was a "real and present danger" Mr Putin could try to destabilise the Baltic states with a campaign of subversion and irregular warfare. The Kremlin called those comments “absolutely unacceptable". COMMENT There is growing concern about Russia’s intentions. Nato commanders are fearful of a Russian campaign of skilfully disguised, irregular military action by Russia, which is carefully designed not to trigger the alliance's mutual defence pact. In other words some kind of aggression that is hard to pin onto Russia showed last year it could generate large conventional forces at short notice for snap exercises along its borders. The army general quoted above went on to say that Russia could do this again “not only for intimidation and coercion but potentially to seize Nato territory, after which the threat of escalation might be used to prevent re-establishment of territorial integrity. This use of so called escalation dominance was of course a classic Soviet technique. ” So Russia is making moves into Ukraine but the fear is that they might move even further. The Bible is very clear – there is an East West division. There never is a united Russia / Europe front. In the final conflict there is a Russian front against Israel. After Christ’s return there is a separate Europe front against Israel. BIBLE QUOTE And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. The two legs of this image represent East and West. In fact further (Daniel 2: 41) visions in Daniel continue this theme. Daniel 7 deals with West. Daniel 8 is East.

UK cannot defend itself against Putin's military might Daily Telegraph, February 20, 2015 EVENT Britain cannot defend itself against the military threat posed by Russia, senior army figures have warned. As two RAF Typhoon fighters were scrambled on Wednesday evening to escort Russian long range bombers flying off Cornwall, military chiefs said that the UK “could not cope” with an all- out attack as our defences have been “decimated”. David Cameron said Moscow appeared to be "trying to make some sort of a point”. "I don't think we should dignify it with too much of a response, " he said. However, Sir Michael Graydon, former head of the RAF, appeared to take threat far more seriously. “I very much doubt whether the UK could sustain a shooting war against Russia. We are at half the capabilities we had previously. ” COMMENT Putin is pushing back at Britain in a way that kindles memories of when Germany’s Luftwaffe was our biggest threat at the start of the Second World War. The latest move against Britain’s defences came this week when two Russian aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons were intercepted by the Royal Air Force. The Telegraph also reported the following. . ”Worryingly, some eyewitnesses claimed they saw the aircraft actually flying inland over the normally serene green valleys of Cornwall before they were buzzed by Typhoon fighters. ” Britain IS very weak compared to what it was. As Air Commodore Andrew Lambert said this week, “If Putin wanted to attack, he would not send a pair of bombers, he would send the lot and saturate our defences; we couldn’t cope. They would outflank us, go around us, or just go through us. ” This is exactly why in Ezekiel 38 we read of Britain unable to stop Russia descending into Israel…. BIBLE QUOTE Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil? Tarshish = Britain. When (Ezekiel 38: 13) Russia invades all they can do is question Russia’s motives!

Putin suggests US Is sending arms to Ukraine Associated Press, February 18, 2015 EVENT Russian President Vladimir Putin is suggesting that the United States is already delivering weapons to Ukraine. At a news conference Tuesday in Budapest with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Putin was asked how he assessed the possible consequences if the United States decides to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine in its fight against Russian-backed separatists. He answered that "according to our information, these weapons are already being delivered. ” He said the new weapons for Ukraine could increase the number of victims but "the result will be the same as it is today. This is unavoidable. ” COMMENT This is interesting… Putin said this week that according to Russian intelligence, America is already delivering weapons to Kiev. He said this in response to a question which asked whether a a shipment of lethal hardware from Washington to Kiev would fan the flames of war in eastern Ukraine. As Putin clearly believes the arming of Ukraine is already underway it may explain why he continues to pour in Russian tanks and missiles despite after agreeing the ceasefire. (see next slide for more info on this). In December the U. S. Congress did pass legislation authorising the sending of arms to Kiev. But while U. S. President Barack Obama has signed the measure into law, he has been hesitant to use the option, amid widespread warnings arming Kiev would be seen as a declaration of war. So America is not officially sending arms but may do so if the situation gets worse. What we know with Bible in hand is that there IS a military push against Russia by the king of the south (US/UK). The push is the final spark…. BIBLE QUOTE “Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will attack the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. He will enter the glorious land of Israel. The word “attack” in this modern version is translated as “push” in the AV (Daniel 11: 40 NLT)

Kiev accuses Russia of sending more tanks to Ukraine Reuters, February 20, 2015 EVENT Kiev accused Russia on Friday of sending more tanks and troops into eastern Ukraine and said they were heading towards the rebel-held town of Novoazovsk on the southern coast, expanding their presence on what it fears could be the next battlefront. Russia did not immediately respond to the accusation which, if confirmed, would go further to kill off a European-brokered truce that was met by relentless rebel advances after it came into force on Sunday. Moscow has always denied accusations in the past that its forces are fighting in Ukraine. Nevertheless, there were signs that the rebels may be prepared to halt their advance, having achieved their main military objective this week by seizing the strategic town of Debaltseve, where Kiev was forced to withdraw thousands of besieged troops this week. The black, blue and red flag of the rebels' self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic flew over the town hall. COMMENT This ceasefire is in tatters. It is going the same way as the previous two ceasefires. Putin is keeping the conflict alive. It was reported that Russia sent in 20 tanks, 10 mobile rocket systems, and about 15 trucks into the area of Novoazovsk on Friday. So is the beginning of Russia becoming an empire that stretches right across Europe? Is Europe going to become part of Russian dominion? The answer to that is no. Neither Daniel 2 or Ezekiel 38 describe a Russian empire controlling Europe. In fact Ezekiel 38 doesn’t describe any territory in what we would now call Western Europe. The only element that does creep into Europe is Magog originally covered eastern Ukraine as well as southern Russia therefore is taking that part back. The role of Europe under the influence of the Vatican is different. Europe / Vatican will launch a religious conflict against Christ and the saints. But Gog is defeated by then…. BIBLE QUOTE set thy face against Gog (ruler of Russia), of the land of Magog (E. Ukraine and S. Russia), the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (both central Russia) , and prophesy against him, Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer (W. Turkey), and all his (Ezekiel 38: 2 -5) bands; the house of Togarmah (E. Turkey) – NO EUROPE!

British forces head for Ukraine as David Cameron issues warning to Vladimir Putin Daily Telegraph, February 24, 2015 EVENT British troops will be deployed in Ukraine to train soldiers fighting Russian separatists, David Cameron has said, as he delivered an extraordinary warning to Vladimir Putin over his continued aggression in eastern Europe. The Prime Minister said that there would be "deeply damaging" consequences for all of Europe if the EU fails to stand up to Mr Putin in Ukraine, predicting that the Russian president could turn against the Baltic states or Moldova if he is not reined in now. He warned that Mr Putin has opted out of the “rules-based system” of the twenty-first century and warned that the Russian president must expect consequences. Downing Street said that around 75 UK troops will travel to Ukraine to help with medical, intelligence, logistics and infantry skills. COMMENT Britain is sending troops to Ukraine. It may seem a paltry amount of troops but they are troops all the same. The Ukrainian crisis is seen by Russia (Putin) as Europe and NATO trying to take away one of its offspring, one of its cubs. Ukraine was once part of the USSR. Putin wants to revive the USSR. He certainly does not want Ukraine to be part of Europe and in NATO. So as Ukraine moved towards Europe, Putin began to send in the troops and stir up trouble. So Britain sending troops (however few) to assist Ukraine fight against Russian troops with be like waving a red rag at a bull. Putin of course being the bull. Britain is in effect saying we are not going to let Russia take back Ukraine and we will support Ukraine militarily to stay with Europe. We could be watching the very start of the push against Russia by the king of the south. It is a military provocation that causes Russia to descend into the Middle East. The next slide shows Russia doing exactly that. Moving into king of south territory… BIBLE QUOTE Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will attack [push / militarily provoke] the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. He will enter the glorious land of Israel (Daniel 11: 40 NLT)

Putin's Cyprus deal gives Russia a foothold in the EU Daily Telegraph, February 27, 2015 EVENT Russia has gained a military foothold in Europe after Vladimir Putin signed a controversial deal with Cyprus to dock warships there. British MPs said Nicosia’s decision to let the Russian navy, including heavily armed frigates, use its ports for counter-terrorism and anti-piracy was ‘worrying and disappointing’. Cyprus, an EU member, thrashed out the agreement despite already hosting two British military bases and 3, 200 troops. President Putin insisted the deal ‘should not cause worries anywhere’. But Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, who was visiting Moscow, hinted Russian warplanes could also be allowed to use a military airbase in Paphos, on the south-west coast of the island. A senior British Army officer said: ‘This will be watched closely by London. We know Russia has long coveted a naval base in Cyprus. 'This is another sign we are creeping back into a new Cold War. ’ COMMENT This is a significant event. Russia is moving into the territory of the king of the south (Britain). Cyprus has long been linked with Britain. Cyprus is Kittim or Chittim in the Bible. It is only mentioned 8 times. The Bible shows that Britain and Cyprus are very close. 3 times Cyprus is mentioned with Tarshish (Britain). In Daniel 11: 30 Cyprus is mentioned sending ships against the king of the north. In other words Cyprus was supporting the king of the south. In Isaiah 23: 1 we read of the ships of Tarshish being based in Chittim. Even now Britain has two sovereign bases in Cyprus with 3200 troops based there. Britain is also using Cyprus as a base to launch attacks on ISIS in Iraq. And so Russia arriving with ships into Cyprus will be deeply concerning for Britain. It is a step towards Russia entering the Middle East. We know that Russia will come with “many ships”. We are watching the king of the north v king of the south in Cyprus! BIBLE QUOTE And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. This prophecy in Numbers has a latter day fulfillment. Asshur and Eber are territories currently occupied by ISIS. Britain is attacking ISIS from Cyprus! (Numbers 24: 24)

Russia could cut off gas to Ukraine by ‘end of week' Associated Press, February 18, 2015 EVENT Russia could cut off supplies to neighbouring Ukraine by the end of the week if it does not get further payments from the country, state-owned gas company Gazprom said Thursday. Spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov said in televised remarks that "if no new funds are received from Kiev, then naturally we cannot continue delivering gas to Ukraine. " He did not specify the sum. Despite threat, Russian and Ukrainian energy ministers are set to meet in Brussels on Monday, making an immediate cutoff unlikely. Gazprom's ultimatum came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement that Ukraine's latest payment would only be good for "another three to four days. " Putin warned that Russia would turn off the tap if Ukraine fails to remit payment quickly, but did not set a concrete deadline for the halting of deliveries. COMMENT The latest gas dispute erupted last week. Basically Ukraine cut gas supplies to areas in the east controlled by Russia-backed rebels. Russia then began pumping gas directly to the east, saying they should be counted as part of the overall volume of its gas exports. On Wednesday Putin angrily denounced Ukraine's decision to halt gas supplies to eastern regions, home to 4. 5 million people, saying it "smacks of genocide. ” Putin and other government officials warned earlier this week that Russia would cut off supplies to Ukraine by the end of the month unless Kiev makes the due pre-payments. So even with a shaky ceasefire now in place the troubles continue. Putin is the little horn that grows in Daniel 8. He is the fierce king. The arrogant master of deception. The one who has become very strong and who succeeds in all he does. He thinks he in invincible. But God will bring him to an end on the mountains of Israel. BIBLE QUOTE a fierce king, a master of intrigue, will rise to power. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause a shocking amount of destruction and succeed in everything he does. He will destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people. He will be a master of deception and will become arrogant; he will destroy many without warning. (Daniel 8: 23 -25 NLT)

Russia and US spar over global crises at UN meeting Associated Press, February 23, 2015 EVENT Russia's foreign minister is implicitly accusing the United States of violating U. N. principles by bombing Syria, occupying Iraq under false pretenses and manipulating a Security Council mandate to destroy and create chaos in Libya. Sergey Lavrov, clearly pointing at the U. S. without naming it, said these acts were the result "of attempts to dominate global affairs" and use military force unilaterally to push "one's own interests. ” U. S. Ambassador Samantha Power implicitly criticized Russia for blocking Security Council action against Syria and accused Moscow of training, arming and fighting alongside separatists who have seized Ukrainian territory. They spoke at a Security Council meeting Monday to assess the operation of the United Nations as it nears its 70 th anniversary organized by China and chaired by its Foreign Minister. COMMENT The war of words between Russia and America get worse each week. As well as the heated exchanges recorded in the article above there were other outbursts this week. A senior Russian diplomat on Friday accused the U. S. administration of taking a "destructive" stance in bilateral relations and warned that Moscow could deal "painful" counterblows. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Secretary of State John Kerry breached "diplomatic ethics" when he told U. S. lawmakers earlier this week that Russian officials had lied to him about support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. He warned that Moscow could retaliate to potential new U. S. sanctions, but wouldn't necessarily make them public. And so we see the growing rift, the increasing tension and the final stages leading up to worldwide conflict. There is no doubt we are on the brink of WW 3 and the final judgement of the world. It is coming…. soon… BIBLE QUOTE in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command…. And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire… for the day of judgment. . (2 Peter 3: 3 -7 NLT)

Russia starts large-scale military exercises Reuters, March 5, 2015 EVENT Russia's Defence Ministry said on Thursday that large-scale military exercises had started in southern Russia and in disputed territories on Russia's borders. The exercises involve over 2, 000 anti-aircraft troops and 500 items of weaponry and will last until April 10, Interfax news agency reported. The Defence Ministry said the exercises were taking place in Russia's Southern and North Caucasus Federal Districts, as well as on Russian military bases in Armenia, the Georgian separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and Ukraine's Crimea region, which Moscow annexed last year. They are likely to be viewed in the West as a show of force as relations between Russia and the West are at their most strained since the Cold War because of the Ukraine crisis. COMMENT With so much happening on Russia's western border we might have expected Russia to scale back from it’s other southern borders. The opposite is true though. Russia is acting aggressively on all it’s borders –especially the south. The report above shows Russia now conducting large scale military exercises in the region of Georgia and South Ossetia. Russia annexed areas in this area – a bit like it did with Crimea. The message to the West is that Russia is seeking to control all areas that are what it deems to be in its influence of control. We know that Russia will descend south and come through Georgia and then through Turkey. As Russia builds up forces in the south we can see them preparing for this event. There is increasing concern there could be fighting soon in the ex USSR Baltic states. Lithuania one of these countries announced it is reintroducing conscription over concerns with aggressive Russian behaviour. The president of Lithuania said they are already under attack by Russia… BIBLE QUOTE But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stick shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things. (Joel 2: 20)

West condemns assassination of Nemtsov Reuters, March 2, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE President Vladimir Putin vowed to punish the killers of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov as Russian opposition figures denounced what they called a ‘political murder’ and Western leaders called for a full probe. The 55 -year-old former deputy premier, a vocal Putin critic prominent at opposition rallies, was shot in the back several times just before midnight Friday as he walked across a bridge a stone’s throw from the Kremlin walls. The brazen assassination is the latest in a string of murders of opposition figures in Putin’s 15 years in power and recalls the shooting of anti-Kremlin reporter Anna Politkovskaya, gunned down on Putin’s birthday in October 2006. Allies of Nemtsov, a longtime anti-corruption crusader who served as deputy premier under Boris Yeltsin, linked his death to his opposition to the Kremlin’s policies. Yet another critic of Putin is killed by assassins. The list of all Putin’s opponents who have been murdered is astounding. Everytime Putin blames with West on killing them because he says they want to make it look like he (Putin) had done it!! There are some truly chilling books written about Putin that make your blood run cold. Putin is utterly ruthless and nothing and no one stands in his way. He operates completely above and outside the law. Boris Nemtsov (who was Jewish) was about to publish a report on Putin’s involvement in Ukraine. He was an open opponent of Putin who was gunned down right outside the Kremlin. Tens of thousands took to the streets in support of Nemtsov but we know it will come to nothing. Putin is the latter day Gog, king of the north and has a role to play in the future – the invasion of the Middle East and Israel… And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. (Daniel 11: 45) This is speaking of the north- latter day Antiochus who invades Israel and Egypt. He finally comes to his end. See also Ezekiel 38: 22 (same event)

US to increase military aid to Ukraine including Humvees and drones Daily Telegraph, March 11, 2015 EVENT The US announced it was stepping up non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine on Wednesday with a $75 m (£ 50 m) package that includes armoured Humvees and surveillance drones. Michael Fallon, the UK Defence Secretary, says Britain is also planning to increase its assistance. The moves come as US and Nato officials report that Russia has continued to move men and materiel, including tanks, into eastern Ukraine since the February 12 ceasefire that was brokered in Minsk by Germany and France. The US also announced new economic sanctions to be targeted at officials in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic in Ukraine as well as the Russian National Commercial Bank and a nationalist Russian group. Mr Obama has resisted pressure from Congress and several senior officials in his administration to provide lethal support to Ukraine’s embattled armed forces. COMMENT With Bible in hand we know there is a push (military provocation or even attack) by the king of the south (America / Britain) against the king of the north (Russia). It is the push that is the spark that brings Russia down into the Middle East. The key focus of where the push could come is currently in eastern Europe – Ukraine and the Baltic states. America is inching towards military support of Ukraine. The Pentagon also announced Monday that about 3, 000 U. S. soldiers from the Georgia-based 3 rd Infantry Division will deploy to Eastern Europe beginning next week. Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters that about 750 U. S. military tanks, helicopters, and other vehicles and equipment arrived in Riga, Latvia, on Monday. This deployment is part of an on-going U. S. military troop rotation aimed at bolstering support for NATO allies who are worried about escalating aggression by Russia. We are getting closer and closer to the push… BIBLE QUOTE Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will attack the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. He will enter the glorious land of Israel, and many nations will fall (Daniel 11: 40 NLT)

Britain may broadcast Putin's financial secrets Daily Telegraph, March 10, 2015 EVENT Britain may broadcast the financial secrets of Russia’s ruling elite as part of the information war against the Putin regime, the Foreign Secretary has indicated. Philip Hammond said he was interested by the idea of publicising the wealth of the Russian president’s inner circle in order to embarrass them in front of their people, as part of the response to the ongoing incursion into eastern Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary warned that Putin is rapidly modernising his armed forces, and warned Russia’s bid to destabilise eastern Europe poses “the greatest single threat” to British national security. Mr Hammond said that Britain must now “accept” that efforts to offer Russia its “rightful place” in the post-Cold War order had been “rebuffed”. It marks a change in tone from the British government: David Cameron has repeatedly said that the door is open to Russia to normalise relations if it ended the assault on Ukraine. COMMENT Putin has many financial secrets. His tax return says he earned £ 96, 000, owns a flat and 3 cars. There are many who say Putin is the richest man in Europe, some say the world. They estimate he is worth over £ 80 bn. The British Foreign Secretary Mr Hammond explained why he was keen to broadcast these financial secrets. “In the case of Russia, for two decades since the end of the Cold War, we and our allies sought to draw our old adversary into the rules-based international system. We worked in a spirit of openness, generosity and partnership, to help Russia take its rightful place, as we saw it, as a major power contributing to global stability and order. We now have to accept that those efforts have been rebuffed. We are now faced with a Russian leader bent not on joining the international rules-based system which keeps the peace between nations, but on subverting it, " he said. Russia has been turned back… BIBLE QUOTE And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great (Ezekiel 38: 3 -4) company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

Russia opts out of European Arms Control Treaty Associated Press, March 10, 2015 EVENT Russia says it will no longer attend consultations related to a key European arms control treaty, accusing the West of stonewalling its demands. The move comes as Russia-West relations have plunged to their lowest point since the Cold War times over the Ukrainian crisis. The 1990 Conventional Forces in Europe treaty limits the number of tanks, aircraft and other heavy non-nuclear weapons deployed on the continent. Russia suspended its participation in 2007, citing NATO countries' failure to ratify a new version signed in 1999. Russian diplomat Anton Mazur said in Tuesday's statement in Vienna that Russia will stop attending the meetings of a consultative group related to the agreement, meaning "the suspension has become full. " He added, however, that Moscow is still open to further arms control talks. . COMMENT Ukraine may not be headline news at the moment but behind the scenes things are moving…and not in a peaceful direction. Russia (as reported above) pulled out of the European arms control treaty this week. In effect they are saying they no longer abide by the rules that limit the number of tanks etc that can be deployed. Then on Tuesday a senior U. S. State Department official said that Russian tanks and heavy military equipment have crossed the Ukrainian border in the last few days in breach of a European-brokered ceasefire agreed on February 12. He also gave Russia just days to fully implement the ceasefire. Ukraine remains the faultline between Russia and America. It is a faultline that could cause an earthquake which in turn could lead to many of the events prophesied in the Bible happening. The stakes are extremely high and even those who do not read the Bible can see World War 3 coming – soon… BIBLE QUOTE For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue (Revelation 16: 14 -16) Armageddon.

Putin reveals secrets of Russia's Crimea takeover plot BBC, March 9, 2015 EVENT Vladimir Putin has admitted for the first time that the plan to annex Crimea was ordered weeks before the referendum on self-determination. Crimea was formally absorbed into Russia on 18 March, to international condemnation, after unidentified gunmen took over the peninsula. Mr Putin said on TV he had ordered work on "returning Crimea" to begin at an all-night meeting on 22 February. The meeting was called after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted. Speaking last year, Mr Putin had said only that he took his final decision about Crimea after secret, undated opinion polls showed 80% of Crimeans favoured joining Russia. Speaking in a forthcoming Russian TV documentary, Mr Putin said a meeting with officials had been held on 22 -23 February to plan the rescue of Ukraine's deposed president. COMMENT Putin is clearly taking great pride in the role he played last year in returning Crimea to Mother Russia. In the short clip that has been broadcast on Russian television promoting the forthcoming documentary called : Crimea: the Road to the Motherland” the president openly boasts of his own personal contribution to returning the territory to Russian control. The really fascinating fact to emerge from this documentary – the full version of which is to be broadcast at an unspecified date – is the confirmation by Putin himself that he consistently told bare-faced lies to the outside world for the duration of the crisis. For example, at a press conference held in Moscow last March, which was broadcast to a global audience, he stated unequivocally that “there are no Russian troops active in Crimea”. He now says he personally ordered the operation! The Bible says that Gog is a liar as well. God says that he is master of deceit. Deceit is lies. It is hiding the truth. There is very little that Putin says that is truth – he lives a lie… BIBLE QUOTE He will be amazingly destructive, he will succeed in whatever he does, and he will destroy the mighty and the holy ones. He will succeed through craftiness and deceit, become swelled with pride, and destroy many people just when they feel the most secure. He will even challenge the prince of princes (Daniel 8: 24 -25 Complete Jewish Bible )

Putin signs treaty integrating S. Ossetia into Russia Associated Press, March 18, 2015 EVENT Russia tightened its control Wednesday over a second breakaway region of Georgia, with President Vladimir Putin and the leader of South Ossetia signing a new treaty that calls for nearly full integration. South Ossetia broke away from Georgia in the early 1990 s, and Russia effectively gained complete control over it and a second breakaway region, Abkhazia, after a brief war against Georgia in 2008. Under the agreement signed in the Kremlin, South Ossetia's military and economy are to be incorporated into Russia's. The treaty also promises to make it easier for South Ossetians to get Russian citizenship, and to raise salaries for civil servants and state pensions. The Georgian Foreign Ministry called Wednesday's signing ceremony an "intentional provocation, " since it coincided with the latest round of talks in Geneva aimed at finding a diplomatic solution to the dispute. 
 COMMENT Russia is strengthening its position in South Ossetia by signing a treaty that very nearly brings this breakaway part of Georgia into Russia itself. It is very similar to what happened in Crimea. Georgia of course sees this as a provocation but as they are so small there is nothing they can do about it. On Friday Putin proposed creating a regional currency union with Belarus and Kazakhstan, Russia's partners in a political and economic union made up of former Soviet republics. This union is Putin’s answer to the European Union. It is an attempt to build another power block in opposition to the West. Russia is strengthening its position. In no way is it backing down. Europe announced this week that it will keep sanctions on Russia until the end of the year. Russia will not back down and again ups the stakes… BIBLE QUOTE “Get ready; be prepared! Keep all the armies around you mobilized, and take command of them. A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war and after its people have returned from many lands to the mountains of Israel. (Ezekiel 38: 7 -8 NLT)

Russia starts nationwide show of force AFP, March 20, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE Mammoth Russian military drills ordered by President Vladimir Putin from the Pacific to the Black Sea are designed to send a message to the West: keep your distance and don't overplay your hand on Ukraine, observers say. Since the start of the Ukraine crisis more than a year ago, Russia has flexed its muscles with a series of war games but the scale of the latest military exercises has triggered a series of new questions. Experts say whatever the purpose of the latest manoeuvres involving tens of thousands of troops, the intent is clear: to show Putin's Russia will stop at nothing to protect its interests. Military analyst Pavel Felgenhauer said "This is brinkmanship, balancing on the brink of war, ” adding that in the current atmosphere of shattered ties with the West the Kremlin is not ruling out any scenarios. "These are preparations for a possible nuclear conflict, for a big war with Europe and for a global nuclear with America. " On Monday more than 45, 000 Russian troops as well as war planes and submarines started military exercises across much of the country in one of the Kremlin's biggest shows of force since its ties with the West plunged to Cold War-lows. US commanders have professed grudging admiration for Russia's ability to move troops quickly. "I've been watching the Russian exercises. . . what I cared about is they can get 30, 000 people and 1, 000 tanks in a place really fast, " Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, the US Army's most senior commander in Europe, told reporters. 
The Bible says that when Russia moves it will move quickly. It will come like a whirlwind, like a storm to cover the land. Whirlwinds are highly destructive and move quickly. We know that like a plague of locusts Russia will invade and “eat” everything. The attackers march like warriors and scale city walls like soldiers. Straight forward they march, never breaking rank. They never jostle each other; each moves in exactly the right position. They break through defences without missing a step. They swarm over the city. In Joel the Russian army is likened to locusts (Joel 2: 7 -8 NLT)

Is Moscow preparing for a new war against Georgia? Eurasia Daily Monitor, March 24, 2015 EVENT President Vladimir Putin has been organizing so many military exercises in so many parts of the Russian Federation a process that has required Moscow to shift units from one area to another that it is virtually impossible to say just where he intends to use military force next. But there is one possible clue: A recent article on the Kavkazskaya Politika website (Kavpolit. com) suggested that Moscow is preparing for a new war in the Caucasus against a country pursuing membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Moscow is not just strengthening forces in the North Caucasus in line with its general program of re-armament and militarization of the country as a whole, but that the Kremlin is putting itself in a position to be able to, at a minimum, threaten new military action and, quite probably, to attack one of more of Russia's neighbours in the Caucasus. COMMENT Moscow is strengthening forces in the North Caucasus in line with its general program of re-armament and militarization of the country as a whole. This region is very interesting. When you look at a map and work out the route Russia will take when it comes down to Israel it will definitely come through Georgia. There is almost a land bridge between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. So with reports of Russia building up military equipment just north of Georgia we can see preparation being put in place to swoop down. Putin of course has attacked Georgia before. Back in 2008 Russia invaded South Ossetia (a region inside Georgia) and effectively annexed the region for the separatists that wanted to breakaway from Georgia. Russia then recognised South Ossetia as a separate country on 26 th August 2008. But this was just a pause…a little insight back then into Putin and what he would do. He will descend down to Israel… BIBLE QUOTE And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great (Ezekiel 38: 3 -4) company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

Fears Moscow could reignite Ukraine fighting Daily Telegraph, March 26, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE The US fears that Moscow and pro-Russian separatists will reignite the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine following a February ceasefire that has largely held, a US diplomat warned on Wednesday. "Russia can reignite the conflict at any time of its choosing, " the senior State Department official told journalists. "Everything that Russia has done since the second Minsk agreement suggests that they will hold that option open, " the diplomat added. ” We now know that the ceasefire after the first Minsk agreement (in September) was used by the Russians to run a very large 'train and equip' program, " the diplomat said. The February ceasefire deal between Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, and his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko, agreed during marathon overnight talks in the Belarus capital, has largely held despite sporadic fighting along the frontline. Ukraine may not be on the news but the crisis has not gone away. On Thursday Putin voiced confidence that Russia will come out as a winner in its standoff with the West if it firmly stands its ground. Speaking before senior officials of the Federal Security Service, the main successor to the KGB agency, Putin said "the situation around our country will change for the better, but not because we will make concessions, bend down or trifle with someone. " "It will change for the better only if we become stronger, " he said. NATO said it scrambled Danish jets and Italian jets based in Lithuania early Tuesday to identify the Russian aircraft which it said were heading to the Russian Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad. And so we see Russia continue to test and push against Europe. Russia's relations with the West have plunged to the lowest point since the Cold War over the Ukrainian crisis. All these events are leading to Armageddon… For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue (Revelation 16: 14 -16) Armageddon.

Russian tanks and fighters enter Eastern Ukraine News. Week, March 30, 2015 EVENT 22 Russian tanks crossed into Ukraine’s separatist-held eastern territories over the weekend, as pro-Moscow forces continue to seep into Ukraine’s war-stricken Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Donetsk’s local pro-government officials reported yesterday. In a statement published on Donetsk’s regional government website, the deputy head of Ukraine’s anti-separatist military operations in Donetsk and Luhansk Valentin Fechev, condemned the “cynical lies” of pro-Russian fighters who have accused Ukraine of violating the ceasefire between the two sides, and instead gave a recent recap of Russian violations. Fechev told the regional government website that 22 tanks had crossed from Russia via the border town of Gukovo, into Ukraine’s Luhansk region, heading toward the city of Sverdlovsk for maintenance. COMMENT Although Ukraine has come off headline news the issues remain. Russia continues to send in troops and tanks which means at some point the conflict will flare up again. Russian tanks and soldiers have been “decisive” in winning key battles against government troops in eastern Ukraine, the commander of a separatist “special forces” detachment has admitted. The Kremlin denies sending men and military vehicles to fight in Ukraine, but Dmitry Sapozhnikov told the BBC this week that regular army units sent from Russia and commanded by Russian officers were key in seizing the strategic town of Debaltseve in February. “All operations, especially large-scale ones, are led by Russian officers, by Russian generals, ” he said. This isn’t news. The world has known Russia invaded Eastern Ukraine. It’s just amazing the Putin would blatantly lie saying that Russia hadn’t. But the Bible says that Russia would have a deceptive leader…. BIBLE QUOTE Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means (Daniel 8: 25 NKJV)

RAF mounts biggest defence exercise in 30 years after Russian bomber flights Express, March 30, 2015 EVENT Operation Rising Panther, the first of six proposed air defence operations due to take place every year, will “show Vladimir Putin in no uncertain terms” that Britain is ready, willing and able counter increasing Russian aggression should the need arise, say military sources. More than 30 aircraft, including 20 Typhoons and Tornado fighter jets as well as a range of ED-3, AWACS, Sentinal and Shadow surveillance aircraft took part in the mock attack-and-defence wargames over the North east of England, as well as ground-based command teams. In February the Sunday Express revealed how one of the two Russian T-95 “Bear” long-range bombers intercepted by RAF Typhoons over the English Channel was carrying a nuclear missile designed to destroy a Trident submarine. President Putin, who has recently increased Russian defence spending by a record 33 per cent, authorises around eight Russian incursions into UK air space or Britain's "sphere of influence" every year. More than 100 were known to have encroached European airspace in 2013 alone. COMMENT Rising Panther is said to be the biggest UK-only air defence exercise in decades. Britain is trying to prove to Putin that they will not be intimidated by Russian bombers flying close to their shores. Also this week there are reports from Norway that Russia is reopening a once secret naval base in the Artic. Three Russian ships spent the entire winter docked deep within the mountain hideaway which was once a heavily guarded military facility. Russian ships docked at what was once a secret Norwegian naval base in the Arctic have prompted concern from the NATO country's former top military leaders, anxious about its resurgent eastern neighbour roaming nearby. The Bible says we would see Russia turned back – turned back to anti western ways…. BIBLE QUOTE I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: (Ezekiel 38: 3 -4)

US, Russian war games rekindle Cold War tensions Associated Press, April 9, 2015 EVENT Russia is so close that the F-16 fighter pilots can see it on the horizon as they swoop down over a training range in Estonia in the biggest ever show of U. S. air power in the Baltic countries. The simulated bombs release smoke on impact, but the M-61 cannon fires live ammunition, rattling the aircraft with a deafening tremor and shattering targets on the ground. The four-week drill is part of a string of non-stop exercises by U. S. land, sea and air forces in Europe — from Estonia in the north to Bulgaria in the south — scaled up since last year to reassure nervous NATO allies after Russia's military intervention in Ukraine. U. S. and Russian forces are now essentially back in a Cold War-style standoff, flexing their muscles along NATO's eastern flank. The saber-rattling raises the spectre that either side could misinterpret a move by the other, triggering a conflict between two powers with major nuclear arsenals despite a sharp reduction from the Cold War era. COMMENT During a symbolic visit to Estonia last September, Obama said that the defence of the Baltic capitals of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius were just as important as defending Berlin, Paris and London. Estonia whose capital is Tallinn warmly received these words back then – they only have 5, 500 soldiers on active duty and with mighty Russia on their doorstep they need protection. In recent months, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have seen hundreds of U. S. armoured vehicles, tanks and helicopters arrive on their soil. Russia is angered at these war games which are taking place just 60 miles from Russia’s border. Russia has also substantially increased its own military activity in the Baltic Sea region over the past year. It seems like everyone is preparing for war. And as the report above says – it only needs one mistake to trigger conflict… BIBLE QUOTE Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: (Joel 3: 9 -10)

Russia issues nuclear threat over Crimea and Baltic States International Business Times, April 2, 2015 EVENT Russia has threatened to use nuclear force against the United States and its Nato allies over Crimea and the Baltic States, in a stark warning reportedly issued by Moscow's envoys to their counterparts earlier this month. At a closed-door bilateral meeting held in Germany in mid-March, the Kremlin's emissaries cautioned that any Western attempt to return Crimea to Ukraine will be met with force. Russia's nuclear posturing follows further expansion of Nato's military presence in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, where the Kremlin appears to be poised to begin destabilising actions like those it used in eastern Ukraine. Notes of the meetings seen by The Times were drawn up by a group of retired US military and intelligence officials, who met for two days with former high-level members of Russia's intelligence agency, the FSB, and former Russian army generals in the town of Torgau, Saxony. COMMENT The notes mentioned in the article above make interesting reading. It said that after its annexation last year, Crimea was now part of the Russian Federation and any attempt by Nato to win it back for Ukraine would be considered a direct attack against Russia. As such, it "will be responded to forcefully, including through the use of nuclear force, " the document read. "In this type of scenario, the United States should also understand it would also be at risk. ” Also despite their Nato membership, Moscow considers Baltic states no different from Ukraine, as they are home to a minority Russian ethnic population. It is hard to comprehend any nation threatening the use of nuclear weapons when they know how terrifyingly destructive they are. They truly are a weapon of mass destruction. But it is possible they will be used in the final conflict…. BIBLE QUOTE And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. Some believe these could be the effects of a nuclear explosion (Zechariah 14: 12 -13)

Israel angry as Russia approves missiles for Iran Daily Telegraph, April 13, 2015 EVENT Vladimir Putin lifted a ban on deliveries of Russian S-300 air-defence missiles to Iran on Monday, in a controversial move which angered Israel. The Russian president issued an executive order cancelling a prohibition on exporting the weapon to Tehran, a measure brought in under Western pressure in 2010 when the UN introduced an arms embargo. Israel responded sharply to the lifting of the ban. Yuval Steinitz, the intelligence and international relations minister, said it was “a direct result of the legitimacy that Iran is receiving from the nuclear deal that is being prepared, and proof that the Iranian economic growth which follows the lifting of sanctions will be exploited for arming itself and not for the welfare of the Iranian people”. The US White House said John Kerry, the secretary of state, had also raised his concerns with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, over the cancellation of the ban on Monday. COMMENT The Russian S-300 system was developed to defend against enemy aircraft and cruise missiles. The S-300 is regarded as one of the most potent anti-aircraft missile systems currently fielded. So why has Putin this week authorised the delivery of these banned missiles to Iran? The answer is these missiles will help protect Iran from attack. Russia has decided to help protect Iran in case the nuclear deal collapses and the US or Israel resort to military action. Mr Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, told reporters in Moscow that the missiles were an “exclusively defensive weapon”. Amazingly the Bible said 2500 years ago that Russia would help Iran in this way by acting as a guard or protector to them. In Ezekiel 38 we read that Gog (Putin) head of Russia would act as a “guard” (protector) of Persia (Iran). We also read that Iran will join Russia in invading Israel. Prophecy is being fulfilled in this headline… BIBLE QUOTE Persia [Iran], Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. Be thou [Gog / Putin] prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard [protector] unto them. (Ezekiel 38: 5 -7)

Russia Wants to 'Redesign' the Middle East Israel National News, April 21, 2015 EVENT Russia thinks American policy in the Middle East has been irresponsible, but is pursuing a strategy where Iranian power would dominate. Under the radar last week, Vladimir Putin met with Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow. The meeting was not considered remarkable as Abbas has started to visit the Kremlin on an annual basis. The timing, though, corresponded with Putin’s definitely remarkable announcement Russia would reinitiate its sale of S-300 missiles to Iran. According to Sarah Fainberg of the Institute for National Security Studies, it is hard to ignore the correlation. “Basically we often quote economic reasons and these are valid, real reasons. But the ultimate and decisive reason is of a geopolitical nature meaning Russia wants to ultimately redesign the Middle East to its best interests and this explains the intensification of its activities in the past weeks whether in Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen or Iran, ” she said. COMMENT An amazing headline in the light of Bible prophecy. There is a lot here that links directly back to the Bible. Firstly the headline itself – “Russia wants to redesign the Middle East. ” Daniel 11 says that the king of the north will not only invade Israel but will continue down into Egypt. It wants to dominate a massive territory. Secondly we have the Palestinians seeking Russian support. In Ezekiel 38 we read that Russia will be visited. The word “visited” means to be saught after or asked for help. Thirdly we have Russian support of Iran. Russia believes that Iran should be the regional power that dominates the region. This is why Russia is supplying Iran with highly sophisticated S 300 missile that can shoot down incoming enemy aircraft with a very high degree of accuracy. Finally the article says that Russia is intensifying its activities in the Middle East over the last few weeks. Russia is indeed planning to redesign the Middle East. . BIBLE QUOTE Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: {think … : or, conceive a mischievous purpose } 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, …. . To take a spoil, (Ezekiel 38: 10 -12)

Netanyahu Warned Putin of Israeli Attacks on Weapons to Hezbollah Jewish Press, April 20, 2015 EVENT Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu warned Vladimir Putin that Israel will attack weapons that Iran or Syria tries to ship to Hezbollah, according to a Defence News report of the conversation between the two leaders last week. The official statement after their hour-long talk simply said that the Prime Minister criticized Russia’s sale of the S-300 advance anti-missile system to Iran as a “direct result of the dangerous deal on the table” between Iran and the P 5+1 countries. What was not reported was Netanyahu’s warning to the Russian president that Israel’s “red line” is any attempt by Iran or Syria to transfer, to place any advanced weapons in the hands of Hezbollah, Iran’s world-wide proxy terrorist network operating out of Lebanon. Syria and Hezbollah are heavily armed with Russian weapons, and Hezbollah’s missile arsenal is considered to be larger than almost any army in the world. COMMENT The other enemy of Israel that Russia has armed (and continues to arm) is Syria in turn passes these rockets and missiles to Hezbollah are a terrorist group based in Lebanon that want to destroy Israel. As the article says… Hezbollah are heavily armed with Russian weapons. When the Psalm 83 war begins it will be Russian weapons being used against the Jews. That war (coming soon) will see the utter defeat of Israel’s surrounding enemies. The Bible talks of the “pricking briers” that surround Israel being removed. But it will be a war that sees Israel weakened dramatically. They will survive but at a cost. But Russian weapons will be used against Israel. But the next time they will be handled by Russian soldiers. Russia will pour into the void left by Stage 1 of the final conflict like a whirlwind. This is Stage 2 of the final conflict. The main driver for Russian invasion will be to take a spoil – loot the land of Israel… BIBLE QUOTE Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon [in Lebanon]; …. For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am the LORD. And there shall be no (Ezekiel 28: 22 -24) more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel,

Russia's State RIA News Agency: Let the world fear us Eurasia Daily Monitor, April 30, 2015 EVENT The May 9 th Victory Day parade in Moscow is designed to impress the world and the home public with Russia’s relentless military might. But no one seems to be counting the expenses. The last Soviet military parade in Red Square was in November 1990. Then, the Cold War ended, the Soviet Union collapsed and there were no parades until May 1995. Under President Vladimir Putin’s rule, the military displays in Moscow steadily expanded. The upcoming parade in the Russian capital is officially claimed to be the largest in post-Soviet times: Taking part will be over 16, 000 men and 194 pieces of heavy military equipment, including 7 World War II–vintage T-34 tanks and a flyover by 143 aircraft. In addition to the Moscow spectacle, some 85, 000 troops, armour, warships and aircraft will be parading on May 9 in smaller military displays in many Russian cities and garrisons. COMMENT Russia’s Victory Day Parade is next week. But due to the size and scale of this one many news channels are reporting it already! As the report says above – “it is designed to impress the world with Russia’s relentless military might. ” The parade marks the 70 th anniversary of the Allied victory against Nazism. The Soviet Union lost more than 20 million people in that war. In contrast to the last big Victory Day anniversary one decade ago, most western leaders have rejected Russia’s invitation to this “celebration”. A decade ago all major western leaders attended including President Bush. How times have changed… But Russia has been turned back as the Bible said it would to its anti West, totalitarian, authoritarian ways. It now seeks an empire again. It is now led by a man that many publicly say is akin to Hilter himself. The Bible says that Gog the Russian leader will invade Israel – many Jews will lose their lives. Sounds like Hitler. BIBLE QUOTE And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes. (Ezekiel 38: 16)

Russia seems set for new offensive in Ukraine Associated Press, April 30, 2015 EVENT The top U. S. commander for NATO said Thursday that America needs better intelligence on the ground in Ukraine, but that it appears Russian forces have used a recent lull in fighting to reposition for another offensive. Gen. Philip Breedlove, commander of NATO forces in Europe, told the Senate Armed Services Committee, that the situation in Ukraine is volatile and fragile and urged Congress to bolster U. S. intelligence capabilities to better understand President Vladimir Putin's intent in the region. "Russian military operations over the past year in Ukraine, and the region more broadly, have underscored that there are critical gaps in our collection and analysis, " Breedlove said. "Some Russian military exercises have caught us by surprise and our textured feel for Russian involvement on the ground in Ukraine has been quite limited. " COMMENT American officials say that Russia has significantly deepened its command control of the militants in eastern Ukraine in recent months. This has led the US to introduce a new term: "combined Russian-separatist forces. " They used this phrase 3 times in one statement this week where they lambasted Moscow and the insurgents for breaking the ceasefire. By describing them as an integrated force in the east of the country, the U. S. is putting greater responsibility on Russia for the continued fighting. America fears that Russia is building up for a new offensive. But Putin is notoriously difficult to read. As General Breedlove said this week…”We cannot be fully certain what Russia will do next and we cannot fully grasp Putin's intent. ” With Bible in hand though we know what Putin actually thinks! We are told he thinks an evil thought to invade Israel. He is a man that is difficult to read but God knows his mind and has revealed it! BIBLE QUOTE Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; (Ezekiel 28: 10 -11)

Russia stages massive WW 2 parade BBC, May 9, 2015 EVENT Russia is staging its biggest military parade, marking 70 years of victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Thousands of troops are marching on Red Square in Moscow, and new armour being displayed for the first time. More than 20 heads of states are in Moscow, but many world leaders are boycotting the event because of Russia's role in the Ukraine crisis. As the event began, President Vladimir Putin said international co-operation had been put at risk in recent years. In his speech, President Putin paid tribute to the sacrifices of Soviet troops during World War Two. He also thanked "the people of Great Britain, France and the United States for their contribution to victory”. But he added: "In recent decades the basic principles of international cooperation have been ignored ever more frequently. We see how a military-bloc mentality is gaining momentum. ” The remarks echo previous complaints by Mr Putin about what he says are efforts by the US and its Nato allies to encircle Russia militarily. COMMENT The enormous military parade underway right now appears more like a show of force rather than an anniversary marking the end of WWII. 16, 500 troops are taking part, with 194 armoured vehicles and 143 aircraft! A patriotic mood has gripped Russia as Europe and Russia remember the 70 th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. It is 70 years since the world has been at war…. and yet as Putin says a military bloc mentality is gaining momentum again. We are closer to WWIII than at anytime since WWII ended. Perhaps we are on the very brink of the final conflict? Seventy years of course is a significant time period. Seven symbolises completion. Babylon was punished 70 years later following its destruction of Jerusalem. Perhaps latter day Babylon [Europe] will be punished 70 years after its massacre of the Jews…? BIBLE QUOTE And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, (Jeremiah 25: 11 -12)

How Putin's military firepower compares to the West Daily Telegraph, May 6, 2015 EVENT Fifteen years after Vladimir Putin first walked into the Kremlin, Russia’s army is bigger, stronger, and better equipped than at any time since the end of the Cold War. Able to call on three quarters of a million frontline troops, more tanks than any other country on the planet, and the world’s third largest air force, Russia retains much of the brute force associated with a former superpower. But it has also rapidly modernised, spending millions on rearmament and retraining programmes aimed at professionalising the lumbering, conscript-reliant force it inherited from the Soviet Union. The world got its first glimpse of Mr Putin’s new model army a year ago, when “little green men” with gleaming new uniforms and weapons annexed Crimea in a bloodless but extremely efficient operation. Last year Russia spent an estimated 3. 247 trillion rubles (£ 42. 6 billion) on defence. COMMENT America is the largest military force in the world by some margin BUT… unlike Russia it has military commitments around the globe. From South Korea to the Middle East to Europe, America is thinly stretched. Russia however has hardly any of these commitments and of course from a Middle East point of view is able to project huge amounts of force if it wanted to with relative ease. America would never be able to match a possible 2. 3 million strong army as it swooped down into Israel. Even if all America’s tanks were placed in the way of Russia they would still be overwhelmed… Russia has 15, 398 tanks to America’s 8, 848. Britain has just 407! Russia has 5, 972 self propelled artillery units. America has 1, 934. Britain. . 89. The Bible says Russia will come like a storm, like a cloud covering the land. It talks about Russian troops desolating the land as they come down like locusts. BIBLE QUOTE A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. . Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that (Joel 3: 3 -5) devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

Britain and Nato launch biggest war games on Russia's doorstep as tensions grow Daily Telegraph, May 5, 2015 EVENT Britain and Nato have launched their biggest war games on Russia's doorstep amid growing tensions over Vladimir Putin's military aggression. The largest ever Nato antisubmarine exercise, including the Royal Navy, is under way off the coast of Norway just weeks after reports of Russian submarines encroaching in to foreign waters. At the same time British troops are taking part in the biggest military exercise seen in Estonia since the Baltic nation regained its independence more than two decades ago. The war games come as tensions grow with Russia over Ukraine crisis and fears that the Baltic nations could be next in President Putin’s sights. The commander of the Nato manoeuvres said recent incidents by the Russian military were a “cause of concern” and added “relevance to the exercise”. At least 18 ships and submarines are taking part in Operation Dynamic Mongoose which involves 10 Nato members and Sweden. COMMENT Europe can of course see what is coming and is desperately trying to show Russia they are a match as they put on their own biggest war games. But while Russia has been building up its forces, Europe has reduced theirs. As the headline says the tension is growing. Last month, Latvia said it had detected a Russian submarine near its water and last week Finland fired depth charges at an unidentified submarine along its coast. Russian aircraft have also repeatedly approached and violated Nordic and Baltic airspace in recent months, challenging air defences and triggering allied responses. The division between East and West legs of the ancient Roman Empire continue to exist as the Bible said they would. The legs never come together they remain divided. The east became the military half while the west embraced democracy. BIBLE QUOTE And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon [Russia], and out of the mouth of the beast [Europe], and out of the mouth of the false prophet. [Vatican] The 3 spirits began in the French Revolution. Liberty , Equality, Fraternity. Liberty / Freedom / democracy came out of Europe. Equality / communism came out of Russia. Fraternity / brotherhood came out of the Vatican. But all were lies and falsehoods. (Revelation 16: 13)

Russia and Nato launch rival war games Daily Telegraph, May 26, 2015 EVENT Russia and Nato have launched rival military exercises in the latest sign of rising military tensions in eastern and central Europe. About 250 aircraft and 12, 000 servicemen will take part in Russian combat readiness drills over the Urals mountains and Siberia in what the country's defence ministry has described as a “massive surprise inspection. ” The snap exercises launched yesterday involving aviation and air defence forces in Russia’s central military district began on the same day Nato launched its own long-planned exercises in the Arctic. About 100 aircraft and 4, 000 servicemen will take part in “Arctic Challenge, ” a Norwegian-led aviation exercise described as the “largest of its kind. ” The two-week exercise will involve forces from Germany, Britain, France, the Netherlands and the United States, as well as non-Nato allies Finland, Sweden and Switzerland. COMMENT As the report says – military tensions in eastern Europe are still rising. Another week and more war games. Each one larger than the previous one. Dmitry Rogozin, the Russian deputy prime minister with responsibility for defence, further raised tensions on the weekend when he joked on national television that “our tanks don’t need visas. ” Relations between East and West are as bad as they were during the Cold War. There is immense distrust on both sides and the ever increasing tensions could easily become war. Ezekiel 38 and Daniel 11 spell out what Russia will do and also where Russia’s allies are positioned. The countries allied with Russia in Ezekiel 38 are Iran, Turkey, Ethiopia, Libya. They don’t include Europe. . Therefore we are not looking for a Russian Europe alliance but a Russian / Iranian / North African alliance. The coming conflict between Russia and Europe is quite possibly part of the push against Russia. BIBLE QUOTE a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. (Ezekiel 38: 4 -6)

Russia masses heavy firepower on border with Ukraine Reuters, May 27, 2015 EVENT Russia's army is massing troops and hundreds of pieces of weaponry including mobile rocket launchers, tanks and artillery at a makeshift base near the border with Ukraine, a Reuters reporter saw this week. Many of the vehicles have number plates and identifying marks removed while many of the servicemen had taken insignia off their fatigues. As such, they match the appearance of some of the forces spotted in eastern Ukraine, which Kiev and its Western allies allege are covert Russian detachments. The scene at the base on the Kuzminsky firing range, around 50 km (30 miles) from the border, offers some of the clearest evidence to date of what appeared to be a concerted Russian military build-up in the area. Earlier this month, NATO military commander General Philip Breedlove said he believed the separatists were taking advantage of a ceasefire that came into force in February to re-arm and prepare for a new offensive. However, he gave no specifics. COMMENT Russia is getting ready it appears for increased conflict in Ukraine. There is a steady build up according to reports of heavy weapons near the Ukrainian border. Over the course of fours days starting on Saturday, Reuters saw four goods trains with military vehicles and troops arriving at a rail station in the Rostov region of southern Russia, with at least two trainloads traveling on by road to the base. So could we see open conflict between Russia and Ukraine? It is highly possible. Eastern Ukraine is part of the territory of ancient Magog. It doesn’t take long to look at where ancient Magog was on a map and see how it covered what is now eastern Ukraine. We are told in Ezekiel 38 that Gog is of the land of Magog. He also rules Meshech and Tubal. Putin by taking eastern Ukraine is taking back Magog. BIBLE QUOTE And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: (Ezekiel 38: 2 -3)

Putin: Deaths of Russian troops a state secret Daily Telegraph, May 28, 2015 EVENT President Vladimir Putin has declared all deaths of Russian soldiers during "special operations" to be classified as a state secret, in a move that comes as Moscow stands accused of sending soldiers to fight in eastern Ukraine. An order signed by President Putin on Thursday makes it a criminal offence to divulge information about the peacetime loss of its soldiers. The order comes amid mounting evidence of the involvement of Russian troops in the over year-long conflict in Ukraine. Last week, Moscow-based opposition activists published a report on the deaths of members of an elite Russian army reconnaissance unit, whom they claim were killed while on duty in eastern Ukraine. Vadim Korovin and Ruslan Leviev say their report, which involved exhaustive investigations and photos of the soldiers’ graves, proves that the men were serving members of the Russian military at the time of their deaths and not volunteers. COMMENT Putin has constantly denied Russian involvement in Ukraine. He says that any Russians in Ukraine are volunteers or on annual leave and have decided to go to Ukraine on their own accord. Somehow they manage to take army vehicles, tanks and rockets! The report mentioned above says that at least 220 Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine since the start of fighting there in April 2014. It also alleged that the Kremlin finances the “volunteers” fighting for separatist forces. This is why Putin this week has declared deaths of Russian soldiers are now a state secret. He is the master of deception and when a bright light is shone into what is going on Putin’s response is to cover it in more darkness. The Bible says that the latter day king of the north would be deceitful and proud. Putin fits the bill. BIBLE QUOTE he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft [deceit] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; (Daniel 8: 24 -25)

Putin signs law allowing closure of foreign firms Daily Telegraph, May 24, 2015 EVENT Western governments and human rights groups have reacted with fury after Vladimir Putin signed a new law allowing Russian prosecutors to declare foreign and international organisations "undesirable" and close them down. The new law allows persecutors to declare an organisation "undesirable" if they deem it to threaten Russia's constitutional order, defence and security, or public health. The designation, which must also be approved by the Russian foreign ministry, would make it illegal for such groups to open offices in Russia and allow the authorities to freeze their financial transactions within the country. Local employees of such organisations could face fines or prison for repeated violations of the law, and foreign employees may be denied entry to Russia entirely. The United States said it is "deeply troubled" by the new law. In a State Department statement, it added that it was an example of the Russian government's "growing crackdown on independent voices and intentional steps to isolate the Russian people from the world. " COMMENT Another law Putin has signed this week. The first one on the previous slide saying that Russian solider deaths are now a state secret and then this one which allows Russia to just close down foreign organisations at a whim. The only criteria for closing them down is that they are deemed “undesirable!” This new law is an amendment to 2012 legislation which banned American citizens from adopting Russian orphans and allowed authorities to sanction US-funded NGOs. This is part of the king of the north preparing not only to take back the full territory of Magog but also at some point to invade the Middle East. These anti western laws and laws of secrecy are all part of the plan to create a new Russian super power. BIBLE QUOTE Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the (Ezekiel 38: 7 -8) nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.

Poroshenko warns of 'full-scale' Russia invasion BBC, June 4, 2015 EVENT President Petro Poroshenko has told MPs the military must prepare to defend against a possible "full-scale invasion" from Russia, amid a surge of violence in eastern Ukraine. Russia has denied that its military is involved in Ukraine, but Mr Poroshenko said 9, 000 of its troops were deployed. Clashes involving tanks took place in two areas west of Donetsk on Wednesday. There was a "colossal threat" that large-scale fighting would resume, the president told parliament in Kiev. The outbreak of violence, in the government-held towns of Maryinka and Krasnohorivka, was among the worst in eastern Ukraine since a ceasefire was signed in Minsk in February. International monitors from the OSCE said that in the hours before and during the fighting around Maryinka a large amount of heavy weapons was spotted moving towards the contact line in rebel-controlled areas. COMMENT We reported last week that Russia is massing troops and weapons along the border with Ukraine. This week Ukraine’s prime minister warned that there is a colossal threat of large scale fighting resuming. "Ukraine's military should be ready for a new offensive by the enemy, as well as a full-scale invasion along the entire border with the Russian Federation, " he said. "We must be really prepared for this. ” More than 6400 have been killed in Ukraine since April 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. It’s interesting with Bible in hand that reports always talk of “rebels” seizing territory in eastern Ukraine backed by Russian soldiers. The Bible says in Daniel 8 (which speaks of the latter day king of the north) that “rebels” will become completely wicked. During this time a fierce looking, a master of deception will arise. The original king of the north was Antiochus Epiphanes – the latter day king is Putin! BIBLE QUOTE In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. (Daniel 8: 23 -24 NIV)

The secret money behind Putin's war machine Bloomberg, June 2, 2015 EVENT If Vladimir Putin's ends remain mysterious, so do the means. Putin is allocating unprecedented amounts of secret funds to accelerate Russia's largest military buildup since the Cold War, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The part of the federal budget that is so-called black -- authorized but not itemized -- has doubled since 2010 to 21 percent and now totals 3. 2 trillion rubles ($60 billion), the Gaidar Institute, an independent think tank in Moscow, estimates. Stung by sanctions over Ukraine and oils plunge, Putin is turning to defence spending to revive a shrinking economy. The outlays on new tanks, missiles and uniforms highlight the growing militarization that is swelling the deficit and crowding out services such as health care. Thousands of army conscripts will be moved into commercial enterprises for the first time to aid in the rearmament effort. Putin has increased defence spending more than 20 -fold. In dollars, it exceeded $84 billion last year, more than any other nation except the U. S. COMMENT Uniformed manpower has declined in every Western nation since 2011 but the number of Russian personnel increased by 25 percent to 850, 000 between 2011 and mid-2014. Russia also has about 2. 5 million active reservists out of a total population of 143 million, according to Global Firepower, which studies the conventional war making capabilities of 129 countries. It ranks Russia No. 2, after the U. S. and ahead of China, India and the U. K. And so Russia has an enormous force which is controlled by one man – Putin. At his finger tips he commands one of the most fearsome armies in the world. When the Bible says Russia will come down like a cloud to cover the land we can see how this will happen. The Russian war machine is being prepared for conflict. BIBLE QUOTE Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. When Russia descends into Israel it will be the greatest invasion of all time. (Ezekiel 38: 9)

Putin to visit Pope Francis June 10 at the Vatican Associated Press, June 4, 2015 EVENT Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Pope Francis on June 10 at the Vatican, with conflicts in Syria and Ukraine likely to top the Holy See's agenda. Putin last called on Francis on November 25, 2013. The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said Thursday the meeting would take place in the afternoon of June 10; Putin is expected to visit Russia's pavilion at the Expo world's fair in Milan, where June 10 has been slated as Russia's national day. 
After nearly a half-century of hostility between the Vatican and the Kremlin during the Cold War, a major breakthrough came just after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 when the Soviet president, Mikhail Gorbachev, met the Polish-born pontiff, John Paul II. 
After a 2009 visit by then. President Dmitry Medvedev, Russia and the Holy See upgraded their diplomatic relations to full-fledged ties, with ambassadors. . COMMENT This meeting due to take place next week is significant. The Pope and Putin will discuss strategies with Syria and Ukraine. The two main areas of conflict in the world right now. Russia has a key part to play in both. In Bible terms the Pope and Putin are massively important players in prophecy. Daniel 7 tells us about the Pope and Daniel 8 about Putin. Daniel 7 tracks the little horn (a horn is a ruler) who comes out of the Roman Empire who speaks great things against God and changes the times and seasons. The ruler described is the religious power of Rome headed by the Pope who claimed he was the Holy Father – they even changed our calendar! The little horn of Daniel 8 is different. This is NOT Rome. This horn comes out of Greece – he was Antiochus Epiphanes. But a latter day king of the north exists – this time in Russia. BIBLE QUOTE 1. And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, THE POPE the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. 2. And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the (Daniel 7: 20 / 8: 28 -9) south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. PUTIN

Greece turns to Russia over financial crisis International Business Times, June 5, 2015 EVENT Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will meet Vladimir Putin on 18 June, fuelling fears that Athens might seek a deal with Moscow that would circumvent EU sanctions on Russia. Athens is looking to receive 5 bn (3. 65 bn, $5. 55 bn) in advance payments from Russia by agreeing to become a central hub for a Russia-Europe gas pipeline. 
The announcement of the meeting came as Tsipras told the Greek parliament that the EU was forcing "absurd" austerity measures on the cash-strapped country. 
He accused the country's creditors of doing all they could to scupper a cash-for reforms deal that would give Greece a new injection of loans. He said the EU was pushing Athens towards default and the euro exit door, or Grexit. 
"The creditors' proposals are unrealistic and a step back in negotiations, " he told parliament. "The Greek government cannot agree to irrational proposals. Greek people should be proud because the government is not going to give into absurd proposals. ”
 COMMENT So here we have Russia possibly stepping in to support the Greek government. Putin wins on both counts. In effect he helps break-up the current European club (punishing them for punishing him) by enabling Greece to playhard ball with its creditors. He also gets a gas pipeline deal worth billions. As we said on a previous slide there is a definite Bible link between Greece and Russia in Daniel 8. The original little horn (mentioned in that chapter) that grew was in fact Antiochus Epiphanes who came out of Alexander the Great’s Greek Empire. We are told in v 21 that the goat from which the horn came is Greek. Daniel 11 gives this king a different title – the king of the north. The latter day king of north Ezekiel 38 says is Russian. Greece and Russia are linked together. BIBLE QUOTE Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken [Alexander the Great died] ; and for it came up four notable ones [4 generals took over] toward the four winds of heaven. And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, [Antiochus Epiphanes] And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: (Daniel 8: 8 -9)

Putin says Russia beefing up nuclear arsenal Daily Telegraph, June 16, 2015 EVENT Nato accused Russia of "nuclear sabre-rattling" on Tuesday when Vladimir Putin promised to deploy at least 40 new inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) this year. Russia possesses about 300 ICBMs, so this ambitious plan will see the replacement of 13 per cent of the country's entire arsenal in one year, representing an almost unprecedented rate of modernisation. The older weapons will be withdrawn and succeeded by new SS-27 missiles, each capable of delivering between four and six strategic nuclear warheads. If loaded to full capacity, these new ICBMs could deliver 240 nuclear warheads – more than Britain’s entire arsenal. Speaking at the opening of “Army 2015”, an exhibition of weapons outside Moscow, Mr Putin said: “This year the size of our nuclear forces will increase by over 40 new inter-continental ballistic missiles that will be able to overcome any, even the most technologically advanced, missile defence systems. ” COMMENT Russia is resurgent! The superpower status that was lost is being restored. Their role on the world stage which had diminished is reawakened. And one man is driving this. Vladimir Putin. He saw the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the twentieth century being the break-up of the USSR. He want a multi polar world. In other words – not one super power but two. This is why, when Ukraine wanted to join Europe it was a step too far for Putin. Ukraine was once part of the USSR. There was no way he would allow a satellite state of what was once in Russia’s sway to head West. But as in a game of poker the stakes are continually being raised in the hope that your higher stake causes your opponent to blink and fold. Putin is raising the stakes with this announcement. We know that in this game the stakes are raised so high they finally lead to world war 3… BIBLE QUOTE and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12: 1)

ISIS extends reach to Russia Institute for the study of war, July 1, 2015 EVENT The Islamic State has expanded its reach to Russia after it declared a governorate in the country's North Caucasus region last week, opening a new front in the competition between ISIS and al-Qaeda for the top post in the world's jihadist movement. According to the Institute for the Study of War, ISIS has declared a governorate called Wilayat Qawqaz (Caucasus) on June 23 following a pledge of allegiance to ISIS by some senior militants in the Muslim-dominated area. "ISIS has been setting conditions to establish this governorate in support of its regional expansion campaign since at least January 2015. ISIS's statements and actions over the next few weeks will indicate whether the organisation intends to launch operations through its new Caucasus affiliate, or whether it simply intends to use the pledge as an opportunity to assert its global vitality and reach, " said the Institute. COMMENT Not only is ISIS pushing south into Northern Africa and Egypt but it is also pushing north. The Islamic State group announced the creation of its northernmost province this week, after accepting a formal pledge of allegiance from former al Qaeda militants in the North Caucasus region of Russia. ISIS has now declared it has provinces in nine countries outside Iraq and Syria. The Caucasus region is interesting because it is a land bridge from southern Russia through to Israel. Russia does not like having threats on its southern border. It has launched wars with Chechnya and Georgia in recent years. Last year ISIS threatened that it would come to Russia to free Chechnya. If ISIS do stir up trouble in this area Putin will not stand by. We see therefore ISIS pushing towards Russia and Israel. These latter day Assyrians have surely been raised up to bring about Armageddon… BIBLE QUOTE Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, (Isaiah 10: 5 -6)

Putin biding his time? Evidence shows build-up of Russian tanks, generals in Ukraine Fox News, , July 3, 2015 EVENT New evidence is exposing Russia's deepening role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, suggesting Vladimir Putin may be preparing to gobble up more territory undeterred by NATO -- as a new U. S. military document highlights the extent of Moscow's aggression. Bloomberg View reported that Ukraine security officials have found five Russian generals are playing a lead role commanding separatist units inside the country, despite Kremlin denials. This comes as aerial video shot by a drone -- and provided by pro. Ukraine fighting units -- depicts the build-up of a Russian military base with tanks and other gear in eastern Ukraine. "We see a more assertive Russia trying to intimidate neighbours and change borders, " NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently said. The NATO secretary general spoke after inspecting one of six new forward bases the alliance is building in Romania and the neighbouring Baltics. COMMENT Putin is very shrewd and incredibly patient. He has long term plans. The Bible says that while Israel is living confidently Putin makes a plan to invade. This is very long term. This is a man who looks many moves ahead – like a chess player who is not rushed into action. Retired Major General Bob Scales, a military analyst said this week "Putin's got lots of time to do this, he's in no hurry. He's waiting for the opportunity to be about right and then the Russians are going to continue their advance. " While the world is focussed on Greece and the turmoil in Europe, Putin is building up his forces next to Ukraine. Five Russian generals are playing a leading role commanding rebel units inside Ukraine. The bear has woken up and is pushing at her borders. This is part of the preparation for war that Ezekiel 38 talks about. BIBLE QUOTE Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, (Ezekiel 38: 7 -8)

Russia is top U. S. national security threat Reuters, July 9, 2015 EVENT Russia presents the greatest threat to U. S. national security and its behaviour is "nothing short of alarming, " Marine General Joseph Dunford told lawmakers on Thursday as they weighed his nomination to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Dunford also added his voice to those Pentagon officials who have supported providing lethal arms to Ukraine to help it defend itself from Russia-backed separatists, a step that President Barack Obama has so far resisted. "My assessment today, Senator, is that Russia presents the greatest threat to our national security, " said Dunford, the Marine Corps commandant, who is expected to swiftly win Senate confirmation to become the top U. S. military officer. Relations between Moscow and the West have plunged to a post-Cold War low since Russia's intervention in Ukraine upended assumptions about the security of NATO's eastern flank. COMMENT Marine General Joseph Dunford is a key figure in US military circles. He has been nominated to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has stated publicly that America should provide lethal weapons to Ukraine soldiers to help the fight off Russian backed (and armed) rebels. "From a military perspective it's reasonable that we provide that support to the Ukrainians, " Dunford said. Obama has stopped short so far of doing this. But there are increasingly powerful voices in the military who are saying he should. The Bible says we should be looking for a military provocation against Russia by America. Daniel 11: 40 says the king of the south (US/UK) “push” against the king of the north (Russia). We haven't seen this yet. We know it happens at the time of the end. This cannot refer to any other time other than now. We await the push and watch for Russia to descend into the Middle East – into Israel and on into Egypt. BIBLE QUOTE Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will push the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. He will enter the glorious land of Israel The king of the south = US/UK. The king of the north = Russia. There is push from the king of the south against the king (Daniel 11: 40) of the north.

Russia conducts military exercises near Baltic States International Business Times, July 16, 2015 EVENT Thousands of Russian paratroopers will participate in military training exercises Thursday in the Pskov Oblast in northwest Russia, a Russian Airborne Force spokesman said. The manoeuvres will unfold just miles away from the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, all NATO members that have expressed growing concern with Russia’s military activity in the region in recent months. “The main phase of tactical exercises with personnel and combat hardware landing and live firing will be held on July 16 -17 near Pskov. Over two days, about 2, 000 airborne troops and more than 30 pieces of combat hardware will practice air-dropping from Ilyushin Il-76 planes, ” Russian Airborne Force spokesman Yevgeny Meshkov told Russian-owned news agency TASS. The air-drop training will simulate a joint attack between paratroopers and Russian combat vehicles on an enemy’s rear flank. The soldiers will also practice at shooting ranges, Meshkov said. COMMENT It’s not just Russia conducting more war games. NATO showed its teeth to Russia this week with an elaborate Baltic training exercise. The mock landing at Ustka, Poland, on Wednesday was the climax of a two-week Nato exercise called Baltops. Forty-nine naval vessels from 17 countries and 5, 900 personnel were involved in this major show of strength. This was a dangerous game. One of Russia’s most important naval bases, Kaliningrad, is just over 100 miles to the east, and the Kremlin may view such exercises as a provocation at a time of heightened tension over the Ukraine crisis. In recent days, Russian planes have been buzzing low over Nato ships. The Bible says the gentile nations would awake and prepare for war – WW 3 is fast approaching… BIBLE QUOTE Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: . (Joel 3: 9 -11)

EU condemns Russia over 'creeping annexation' of Georgia Daily Telegraph, July 16, 2015 EVENT The European Union warned of growing tensions on Thursday amid reports that Russia had seized control of part of an international oil pipeline by unilaterally redrawing Georgia's border with a Russian-backed breakaway republic. Georgia says that Russian troops based in South Ossetia moved markers reading “state border” several hundred meters further into Georgian territory on Tuesday, leaving a portion of the Baku-Supsa oil pipeline under Russian control. Georgia has said the move was part of a campaign of “creeping annexation” that has also seen Russia erect new fences on other parts of the de-facto frontier. An EU foreign policy spokesman said the move "had led to tension in the area, with potentially negative effects on the local population, their livelihood and freedom of movement”. COMMENT Back in 2008 Russia and Georgia fought a five-day war over South Ossetia, a breakaway republic that seceded from Georgia following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The war ended with a total Russian victory, and Georgia has had no control South Ossetia or Abkhazia. These are break-away republics under de-facto Russian protection, since that conflict. The area of Georgia is highly significant. If Russia is going to invade Israel will tanks and soldiers it needs to come down through Georgia. The fact Russia is starting to push south again in this area is very important. It shows that Putin is not content with only pushing into Eastern Europe but also intends to push south as well. They have seen their “success” in capturing territory from Europe- they are emboldened to take more. BIBLE QUOTE Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth. They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion. (Jeremiah 6: 22 -23)

Vladimir Putin orders creation of new reservist force Daily Telegraph, July 18, 2015 EVENT Vladimir Putin has ordered the creation of a new military reserve force as part of steps to improve military readiness amid continuing tensions with the West. The plan, which is described in a presidential decree as an “experiment”, will allow soldiers leaving the army to take on three-year contracts as part-timers. All Russian men are meant to complete obligatory national service between the ages of 18 and 27. Several million ex-servicemen are already considered reservists who can be called up in times of military emergency, but they are unpaid and seldom trained. The new force will be more akin to the British Territorial Army, with reservists attending regular training and receiving a monthly salary. The Russian ministry of defence has previously said that the experimental force would be made of just 5, 000 men to begin with, and be loosely based on the Israeli model. COMMENT Putin is strengthening his ability to fight by giving his huge army reserves more training. This will give him even more strength to send troops into battle zones and effectively take over areas with relative ease. It is interesting to note he has based this on the Israeli model. Putin watches Israel with interest. Another area that could soon become the next flashpoint is the self-declared republic of Transnistria bordering Moldova and Ukraine. Russian-speaking Transnistria broke away from the Moldovan state in the early 1990 s after a brief war. Few nations recognise it though. This week the president of Transnistria ordered the mobilisation of men aged 18 -27 amid fears it could become the next East-West flashpoint. In May, 137 Transnistrian organisations signed a letter requesting Vladimir Putin to intervene on their behalf should an “emergency” situation develop. Conflict is coming… BIBLE QUOTE Be ready and keep ready, you and all the companies that are assembled around you, and hold yourselves in reserve for them. After many days you shall be mustered; in the latter years you shall go against a land restored from war, (Ezekiel 38: 7 -8 NRSV)

Oil & gas crunch pushes Russia closer to fiscal crisis Daily Telegraph, , July 23, 2015 EVENT Russia has fallen into full-blown depression and faces a mounting fiscal crisis as oil and gas revenues plummet. Output from country’s state-owned gas giant Gazprom has collapsed by 19 pc over the past year as demand shrivels in Europe, falling to levels not seen since the creation of the company at the end of the Cold War. A report by Sberbank warned that Gazprom’s revenues are likely to drop by almost a third to $106 bn this year from $146 bn in 2014, seriously eroding Russia’s economic base. Gazprom alone generates a tenth of Russian GDP and a fifth of all budget revenues. It will be several years at best before the country benefits from a new pipeline deal with China. Russia is already in dire straits. The economy has contracted by 4. 9 pc over the past year and the downturn is certain to drag on as oil prices crumble after a tentative rally. Half of Russia’s tax incomes from oil and gas. COMMENT Russia is in trouble and the trouble is getting worse. There is no light at the end of the tunnel. Western sanctions remain in place and US shale production limits any rebound in global oil prices. By the end of next year there wont be any money left in the Russian oil reserve fund. The official reserves have dropped from $524 bn to $361 bn since the Ukraine crisis first erupted in late 2014. What is amazing is that John Thomas (originator of the Christadelphians) wrote these words in 1849. “Let the Russian treasury be as empty as it is said to be, and its expenditure exceed its revenue by double the alleged deficit, it will only operate as a pressure from within, causing her Autocrat to enter into the countries, and to "overflow and pass over" and to enrich himself with the spoil of those he is destined to subdue. ” (Elpis Israel). How true… BIBLE QUOTE He will conquer many countries, and even Egypt will not escape. He will gain control over the gold, silver, and treasures of Egypt, and the Libyans and Ethiopians will be his servants. Speaking of the north (Gog) we are told here he controls the wealth of Egypt. We are also told he wants to take a spoil in Ezekiel 38. Conclusion is that Russia needs wealth. (Ezekiel 38: 13)

RAF Typhoons intercept 10 Russian planes over Baltic Daily Telegraph, July 30, 2015 EVENT RAF quick reaction Typhoon jets intercepted 10 Russian military aircraft during a single sortie last week the Ministry of Defence has disclosed. The RAF fighters from 6 (Fighter) Squadron were launched from their airfield in Estonia after multiple groups of aircraft were spotted by Nato air defences in international airspace near to the Baltic States. Once airborne, the RAF jets identified the aircraft as four Fullback Sukhoi Su 34 fighters, four Foxhound Mikoyan Mi. G-31 fighters and two Curl Antonov An 26 transport aircraft. The Russian planes appeared to be carrying out routine training, but the incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Baltic states in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea. The Russian aircraft were monitored by the RAF Typhoons and escorted on their way, the Ministry of Defence said. COMMENT This incident is the latest in a series of provocative operations by Russia's air force. In May a number of RAF jets were scrambled to intercept two Russian long-range bombers off northern Scotland. And in February it was revealed that British fighter jets had been scrambled more than 40 times to deter Russian military planes encroaching UK airspace since David Cameron had taken office. The UK of course is part of the king of the south. Russia is the king of the north. We are watching here both kings sparring, pushing and testing each others strength. The reality is of course that it is Russia doing the pushing against the UK. But Russia is doing this because it feels threatened by the encroaching superstate of Europe. Daniel 11: 40 tells us that we will see the king of the south push back at Russia. When this happens (and it hasn’t yet) Russia will come down like a storm… BIBLE QUOTE And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. (Daniel 11: 40)

Russian navy permanently deploys 10 ships in Med IBT, July 23, 2015 EVENT The Russian navy has maintained a permanent detachment of about 10 warships in the Mediterranean Sea since late 2012, a top Russian Black Sea Fleet official said Thursday. Russia's expanded military activity, both at home and abroad, has been a source of continued tension with Western leaders in recent months. Russia's three main naval fleets have each contributed ships to the standing Mediterranean force since it was first deployed, but the Black Sea Fleet commands the vessels, Russian Adm. Alexander Vitko told Russian agency Sputnik International News. Since the end of 2012, an average of 10 ships and auxiliary vessels from the Black Sea, Baltic and Northern fleets are permanently in the Mediterranean Sea, but the command of the permanently deployed navy in this region is carried by the Black Sea fleet and the burden of performing the tasks of this group lies namely on this fleet's warships and auxiliary vessels, said Vitko, the Russian Black Sea Fleet's commander. 
 COMMENT Six months ago Putin approved a revised military doctrine in response to the rapid deterioration of relations with the West following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. This week Putin launched a new naval doctrine. Mr Rogozin, Russia’s deputy prime minister, (a strong critic of Nato), said that the new doctrine reflects "changes in the international political situation and the objective strengthening of Russia as a great naval power. ” The doctrine calls for reinforcement of Russia’s naval presence in the North Atlantic and maintenance of a naval presence “on a permanent basis” in the Mediterranean. We can see in the related article above how Russia now patrols the Med with ships. The Bible says in Daniel 11 that Russia will come with many ships. BIBLE QUOTE Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will attack the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. He will enter the glorious land of Israel, and many nations will fall (Daniel 11: 40 NLT)

Locust swarm blots out the sun in Russian region ABC News, July 30, 2015 EVENT Plagues of locusts are swarming large areas of southern Russia, threatening thousands of acres of crops and in some places darkening the skies. . Videos, screened by local TV channels, showed clouds of locusts flying overhead. “It was very frightening, ” Lubov Timus, a local woman who lives in Achikulak, told ABC News. “They came like a clouds. ” The waves of locusts began around July 20, according to Stavropol’s regional agricultural ministry. Vasilii Yegorov, a deputy agricultural minister, told ABC News that locusts appear in the region every year but normally they are able to exterminate them before they hatch. Swarms have been reported across many other southern regions, stretching from Chechnya to the Astrakhan province on the Caspian Sea. Because of the locusts, a state of emergency has been declared in three regions near Stavropol, according to local media. In Stavropol alone, efforts to kill the insects have stretched across more than 350 miles, according to officials. COMMENT A Biblical plague of locusts in Southern Russia is amazing to see with Bible in hand. In Joel 1 v 1 -12 we read about a plague of locusts coming. Read it in a modern version as it talks about the different stages of the locust. In verse 6 we read that the locusts are symbolic of a nation powerful and without number invading God’s land. In chapter 2 the army comes. And there has never been an army like this one. It devours everything in front of it. Before them it looks like Eden, behind them as they pass over it is a desert waste. Joel 2 v 20 says the sky goes dark and there are thick clouds (like locusts). So who is this army? Well Joel 2: 20 tells us they are a “northern army”. We are told God himself will destroy this army. The northern army that invades with such destruction is of course Russia. And this week the locust swarms literally have appeared! BIBLE QUOTE What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left the young locusts have eaten; what the young locusts have left other locusts have eaten. Wake up, you drunkards, and weep! Wail; wail because of the new wine, for it has been snatched from your (Joel 1: 4 -6 NIV) lips. A nation has invaded my land, a mighty army without number;

Economic crisis returns to haunt Putin Daily Telegraph, July 29, 2015 EVENT Russia’s central bank halted daily purchases of foreign currency on Wednesday in an effort to stop a week-long slide of the rouble that has raised fears of a second currency collapse in a year. The decision came after the rouble hit 60 to the dollar on Tuesday, following five days of losses that threatened to undo months of recovery since an unprecedented fall over the winter. The rouble rallied by up to 1. 4 pc on Wednesday after the Bank of Russia announced a freeze on daily purchases of up to $200 m in foreign currencies, citing “volatility”. One dollar was worth 59. 6 roubles by 4 pm in Moscow on Wednesday. The past week’s devaluation was driven by a slump in oil prices that analysts said would likely continue to put pressure on the rouble at least until the end of the year. COMMENT Russia has been locked in a financial crisis that has buffeted its currency and seen inflation soar, due to a combination of falling oil prices and international sanctions imposed by Western countries in retaliation for the annexation of Crimea and support for separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. Oil prices have started to slide again mainly due to the growing concerns that China’s economy has stalled. Russia depends massively on oil prices remaining well over $100 a barrel. It’s currently at $53! As we reported last week Bro John Thomas said (over 150 years ago) that the Russian treasuries would one day be empty and this would act as a pressure within Russia causing them to invade Israel for a spoil. With Bible in hand it is amazing to see these things happening right now. Let’s keep watching… BIBLE QUOTE 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; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, (Ezekiel 38: 11 -12)

Sanctions hitting Russia harder than anyone realised Reuters, August 3, 2015 EVENT Sanctions linked to the Ukraine crisis could end up costing Russia 9 pc of its gross domestic product, the International Monetary Fund has said. Low international prices for its oil exports have added to pressure on the rouble and government finances. "The effects of sanctions in terms of external access to financial markets and new investment technology will linger, " the fund said, summing up the findings of a mission in May. Last year Western countries imposed restrictions that limit international financing for major Russian banks and energy companies, and also hi-tech exports to the energy sector. Russia retaliated by banning imports of most Western food products. The fund estimated the immediate effect of sanctions and counter-sanctions had been to wipe between 1 pc and 1. 5 pc off GDP, rising to 9 pc over the next few years. These model-driven results were subject to significant uncertainty, it cautioned. COMMENT We have reported this every week for the last 3 -4 weeks in the WWW. Each week there is another headline about the state of the Russian economy and how it is weakening with sanctions and falling oil / gas prices. The report this week says that sanctions are hitting Russia far harder than anyone realised. Russia will see a 9 pc reduction of its GDP which is enormous in financial terms. One of the key reasons for falling oil prices is the fact that at the start of this year America lifted restrictions on exporting oil. It can do so due to oil shale technology, In a comment in the Israel National News earlier in the year they said “As oil prices continue to fall what will happen to Russia? The country is collapsing and could turn to a European war to save itself. ” Russia needs oil prices back up – war is one way to do this. The pressure is growing on Russia to act. BIBLE QUOTE 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; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, (Ezekiel 38: 11 -12)

Russian hackers 'attacked Pentagon' Daily Telegraph, August 6, 2015 EVENT Russian is the leading suspect following a sophisticated cyber-attack on an email network at the Pentagon. The attack in July affected 4, 000 military and civilian personnel working for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the network was shut down for two weeks, . The existence of the attack, but not who was behind it, was first disclosed at the end of last month. It was a so-called spear-phishing attack in which people are tricked into opening bogus emails which then infect the network. US officials did not say whether the attack has been linked to individuals or the Russian government but said it was "sophisticated. ” One official said: "It was a spear-phishing attack traced to that country (Russia), " Another told NBC News: "It was clearly the work of a state actor. ” According to cyber-security companies there has been a large increase in attacks linked to the Russian government since sanctions were imposed last year over Moscow's actions in Ukraine. COMMENT As the pressure on Russia increases so does their aggression. We have seen how they are pushing against UK / US and European defences by flying bombers close to their borders. This report says that Russia is almost certainly behind a very sophisticated cyber attack against the Pentagon a few weeks ago. Again a few weeks ago the New York Stock Exchange, United Airlines and the Wall Street Journal all suffered what have been termed 'technical glitches’. The New York Stock Exchange suspended trading, the United Airlines grounded all of its flights, If another power can disrupt a countries technology this is a very “simple” way of bringing chaos. As we approach the time of trouble such as never was we may well expect to see increasing trouble with technology that we rely on. Russia used cyber attacks on Georgia just before it invaded BIBLE QUOTE and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, (Daniel 12: 1) and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Vladimir Putin: Russia owns the NORTH POLE and the UN needs to give it back to us! Express, August 4, 2015 EVENT Not content with just spreading his power base into Ukraine, the eccentric president has now submitted a bold claim to a large portion of the Arctic. Russia has long had eyes on the Arctic ice, which it is thought could contain vast reserves of oil, precious gems and minerals. Putin recently announced plans to bolster the country's naval presence in the region, sparking fears that the country could attempt a military-led land grab. Now Russia has submitted a claim to the UN for a large swathe of Arctic ice covering an astonishing 500, 000 square miles, parts of which have already been claimed by Denmark. Russian officials claim tectonic plate maps show that the disputed territory is part of Russia's "continental character”. However, the claim will spark fears that Putin has further expansionist plans following the annexation of Crimea and his country's meddling in the Ukrainian conflict. COMMENT Russia is described in the Bible as the KING OF THE NORTH. Interesting then that Putin is staking claim to the very north of the planet. One might wonder why he wants control of much of the Artic including the north pole. The answer is of course that it is believed to be a huge source of oil and gas. Putin desperately wants this as Russia’s own gas fields won’t last forever. The new move comes a week after the Kremlin said it was strengthening its naval forces in the Arctic as part of a new military doctrine. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said the plans included a new fleet of icebreakers. Earlier this year, Russia's military conducted exercises in the Arctic that involved 38, 000 servicemen, more than 50 surface ships and submarines and 110 aircraft. And so we see Russia taking on the mantle of the king of north in a literal sense. All this is part of the scene depicted in the Bible 2500 years ago! BIBLE QUOTE and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, (Daniel 11: 40)

Russia and Nato 'actively preparing for war' Daily Telegraph, August 12, 2015 EVENT Russia and Nato are actively preparing for war with one another amid the greatest build up of military tension in Europe since the end of the Cold War, a new report says. Rival exercises by the Russian armed forces and Nato have led to several near-miss incidents that could result in confrontation between the two sides, and leaders need to consider a new arms control treaty to avert the possibility of heightened tensions spilling into war. The report by the European Leadership Network, a think tank, comes amid the most intense fighting for six months in eastern Ukraine and as Michael Fallon, the defence minister, pledged to expand a British army training mission to Ukraine. “We do not suggest that the leadership of either side has made a decision to go to war or that a military conflict between the two is inevitable, but that the changed profile of exercises is a fact and it does play a role in sustaining the current climate of tensions in Europe, ” the authors write. COMMENT Just because Ukraine is not headline news does not mean the conflict is over. Far from it. The UK Defence Secretary said this week that the Ukraine conflict is a “red hot” war that shows no sign of ending soon. He also announced Britain will step up training to Ukrainian forces fighting Russian-backed separatists. Far from either side backing down behind the scenes both are pushing at each other. One headline this week said “Ukraine War On The Brink? Faltering Ceasefire And Increased Death Toll May See Return Of Banned Heavy Weapons”. This week Netherland investigators confirmed they had found parts of a Russian missile in the crash site of MH 17 which killed 298. Putin then ordered the destruction of all Dutch flowers in Russia – seen as a political statement and once more increasing tensions. Putin will not back down… See below. BIBLE QUOTE a king of bold countenance shall arise, skilled in intrigue. He shall grow strong in power, shall cause fearful destruction, and shall succeed in what he does. He shall destroy the powerful and the people of the holy ones. By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, This is (Daniel 8: 23 -25 NRSV) talking about the new king of the north – Putin!

Iran and Russia hold wargames Washington Free Beacon, August 11, 2015 EVENT Iranian and Russian naval forces on Tuesday staged a series of war drills in the waters near northern Iran, in another joint show of force meant to display the two nations’ control of nearby waterways. An Iranian destroyer and team of Russian warships staged a series of war drills and engaged in joint training exercises, according to reports in Iran’s state-controlled press. Two Russian warships docked over the weekend in Iran’s northern Anzali port in anticipation of the wargames. The military exercises come just weeks after Iran and global powers signed a nuclear accord that will provide Iran with billions of dollars in sanctions relief and lift restrictions on the country’s ballistic missile program. At least 200 Iranian naval forces also will participate in the war drills, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency. The war games are a sign of the increased military ties between Russian and Iran. COMMENT We fast approach the crunch date of whether America will approve the Iranian deal. But even though the deal has been agreed the military buildup and aggression of the world's leading state sponsor of terror [Iran] continues apace. The Islamic regime continues to threaten Israel with "annihilation. ” Obama believes that this deal will bring peace. All the signs are that Iran (like a leopard) has not changed its spots. We also note that Russia is preparing to work militarily with Iran. In fact these wargames are only part of the story. Of much more concern to Israel is the potential delivery from Russia to Iran of the S-300 Missile system. Putin lifted the ban on sending this to Iran a few months ago. Iran is preparing to unveil its own domestic version of the system in early September. We see Russia acting as a guard (protector) to Iran. BIBLE QUOTE Be ready and keep ready, you and all the hosts that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them. After many days you will be mustered; in the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land where people were gathered from many nations upon the mountains of Israel. The hosts with Russia include Iran (v 5). A guard is a protector. Russia is protecting Iran and preparing for war alongside Iran. (Ezekiel 38: 7 -8)

Europe in crisis: everyone from Putin to ordinary savers is stockpiling gold Daily Telegraph, August 13, 2015 EVENT European investors snapped up gold bars and coins at a rapid pace in the second quarter as turmoil in Greece threatened to push the country out of the eurozone. The World Gold Council (WGC) said demand in Europe for the precious metal rose sharply in the three months to June compared with the same quarter last year amid rapid buying of bullion, even as global demand fell by 12 pc to a six-year low of 915 tonnes. The increase in Europe was led by Germany, where sales of bars and coins rose 24 pc to 24. 1 tonnes in the second quarter. Demand in Austria and Switzerland also rose sharply, according to the WGC's quarterly trends report. The report showed that demand for gold remained high among central banks, which were net purchasers for an 18 th straight month in June. Russia's central bank continued to lead the way – feeding its "voracious appetite" with net purchases of 36. 8 tonnes during the quarter. This brought its gold reserves to 1, 275 tonnes, 13 pc share of Russia's total reserves. COMMENT The Russian economy is suffering from its worst recession in six years following a halving of oil prices since last July and Western sanctions triggered by the country's annexation of Crimea. The government has tripled its gold stocks in the last decade, which could provide Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, with ammunition to offset the sharp declines in the rouble. Russia has been amassing as much gold as possible, in a bid to outmanoeuvre its enemies in a silent economic war to hold onto its independence and further project its status. Economically though Russia is in a real mess. The pace of the decline, which doubled from the 2. 2 pc in the first part of the year, is the sharpest fall in economic output in Russia since the height of the global financial crisis in 2009. We know this will act on pressure for Russia to act – to take a spoil… BIBLE QUOTE I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the centre of the land. ” (Ezekiel 38: 11 -12)

Russia 'is building military base in Syria' Daily Telegraph, September 5, 2015 EVENT Russia is building a military base in Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s heartland, according to American intelligence officials, in the clearest indication yet of deepening Russian support for the embattled regime of Bashar al-Assad. The anonymous officials say Russia has set up an air traffic control tower and transported prefabricated housing units for up to 1, 000 personnel to an airfield serving the Syrian port city of Latakia. Russia has also requested the rights to fly over neighbouring countries with military cargo aircraft during September, according to the reports. The claims, which will raise fears that Russia is planning to expand its role in the country’s civil war, will ratchet up tensions between Moscow and Washington over the future of Syria and its brutal ruler. Mr Obama on Friday met King Salman of Saudi Arabia to repeat their demand that any lasting settlement in Syria would require an end to the Assad regime. It leaves the US and Russia implacably opposed in their visions for Syria. COMMENT Putin has just confirmed on TV that yes, Russia is providing “serious” training and logistical support to the Syrian army. But it appears that Russia is preparing to put large numbers of Russian troops on the ground in Syria. The Pentagon said on Friday that it had seen reports of Russia deploying troops and aircraft in Syria, and was "monitoring the situation closely". Up until now Russia has not put troops on the ground in Syria – so what is going on? It is all to do with ISIS are getting ever closer to the centre of Damascus the capital of Syria. They have already captured a southern district of Damascus. Russia is preparing to send in troops to defend Assad. The latter day king of the north (Russia) is rushing to aid the ancient king of the north (Syria). Russia is moving southward – ever closer to Israel. BIBLE QUOTE And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, (Ezekiel 38: 15 -16)

NATO activates six command units on eastern flank with Russia AFP, September 1, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE NATO on Tuesday activated command units in six central and eastern European members to boost defence amid regional tensions over Russia's actions in Ukraine, Lithuania's defence ministry said. "NATO today officially activated NATO force integration units in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania, " ministry spokeswoman Asta Galdikaite told AFP. The Baltic nation's foreign minister Linas Linkevicius said the move was "a clear sign that NATO takes it's commitments very seriously”. "It is a clear message both to allies and, of course, opponents who have recently increased the tensions, " the minister told AFP, without directly naming Russia. 
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will attend ceremonies in Vilnius Thursday formally inaugurating the string of units, an alliance statement said. The six multi national units with around 40 officers each were set up to facilitate the deployment of the newly forged NATO rapid reaction force and coordinate military drills. There is no end in sight to the conflict in Ukraine, where almost 7, 000 people have died since Russia annexed the Crimea. A report published in the UK on Wednesday said that Britain must station permanent ground troops in allied Eastern European countries to head off Russia's aggressive foreign policy. Russian warplanes and submarines continue to test western European air space and waters, keeping tensions high. Two years ago Obama made a decision to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in US defence policies but over that same period Putin has pushed nuclear weapons forward and even threatened to use them several times. All of this tension in Eastern Europe is part of the military provocation that pushes Russia down into the Middle East. The Bible says Russia would return back – back to its anti west, totalitarian ways – and it has. And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: (Ezekiel 38: 2)

Russian military build-up in Syria ‘unprecedented’ Fox News, September 10, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE U. S. officials are expressing growing concern about Russia's military build-up in Assad-controlled Syria, calling it "unprecedented" -- with one telling Fox News it compares in scope to Vladimir Putin's incursion into Crimea. "It's beginning to look like Crimyria, " the official told Fox News. Two U. S. officials who have reviewed the latest intelligence told Fox News that satellite imagery reveals more flights of massive Russian An-124 "condor" military cargo planes landing in Syria. They are offloading troops, including just under 50 Russian marines, and armoured vehicles. U. S. officials said the Russian activity in Syria is unlike any they've seen since the start of the Syrian civil war four years ago. "This is definitely a build-up straight out of Russia's military doctrine, " said one official. It’s beginning to look like Crimyria! In other words Russia is putting troops into Syria and denying it is doing so - just as Putin did with Crimea. At least three Russian military transport planes have landed in Syria in recent days, US officials said Tuesday. Reuters reported this week that Russian troops have begun participating in combat operations on behalf of the Assad government. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also said coordination was needed between Russia's military and the Pentagon to avoid "unintended incidents" around Syria. Russia was conducting pre-planned naval drills in the eastern Mediterranean, he said. Daniel 11 tracks the entire history of the king of the north v king of the south. The ancient king of the north were the Seleucids based in what we now call Syria. The latter day king of the north we find out in Ezekiel 38 is Gog of the land of Magog – Russia. The new king of the north is now militarily assisting the ancient king of the north… And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, (Ezekiel 38: 15 -16)

U. S. warns Russia over military support for Assad New York Times, September 5, 2015 EVENT Secretary of State John Kerry told his Russian counterpart on Saturday that the United States was deeply concerned by reports that the Kremlin may be planning to vastly expand its military support for President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, warning that such a move might even lead to a “confrontation” with the American-led coalition, the State Department said. Mr. Kerry called Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, “to discuss Syria, including U. S. concerns about reports suggesting an imminent enhanced Russian military build-up there, ” the State Department said in an unusually blunt statement. “The secretary made clear that if such reports were accurate, these actions could further escalate the conflict, lead to greater loss of innocent life, increase refugee flows and risk confrontation with the anti-ISIL Coalition operating in Syria, ” the State Department added, using an acronym for the Islamic State. COMMENT On Monday Reuters reported that the United States had asked Greece to deny Russia the use of its airspace for supply flights to Syria. The Greek foreign ministry said the request was being examined. Also this week Bulgaria refused Russian aircraft permission to cross its airspace amid fears that Russia is boosting its military support to Syria. Bulgaria's foreign ministry said it suspected the aircraft were not carrying aid, as Russia claimed. On Tuesday Russia lashed out at Bulgaria saying the move has cast doubts on the nation's independence! All this is creating massive tension between Russia and America. In effect America is trying everything it can to block Russia sending military equipment and soldiers into Syria. We know at some point Damascus ceases to be a city. We know Syria itself is not part of the Gogian invasion of Israel. It must mean Syria comes to an end as we know it. Events are moving towards that… BIBLE QUOTE The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from (Isaiah 17: 1 -3) Damascus, and the remnant of Syria

Iranian troops join Russians in Syria fighting Israel National News, September 10, 2015 EVENT Qasem Soleimani, commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, has sent hundreds of ground soldiers into Syria in the past few days apparently in cooperation with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, said a senior Israeli security official Thursday. Russia has also recently deployed military assets into Syria and according to the Israeli source, has teamed up with Iran in an unprecedented attempt to protect the embattled regime of Bashar Assad from falling to rebel groups including the Islamic State. The Israeli source said that Iran's increased military involvement in Syria was "due to Assad's crisis and under Russian-Iranian cooperation as a result of a meeting between Soleimani with Russian President Vladimir Putin, " said the Israeli source. The only Iranian force that has operated in Syria so far has been the Basij militia, a paramilitary organization with a relatively small number of fighters. The security official said that Israel has little to worry about Russia's military activity in Syria saying that it is "not directed at Israel. “ COMMENT Iran has granted permission for Russian planes to fly over its territory en route to Syria, Russian news agencies said Wednesday. Russia needed this after Bulgaria refused overflights amid signs of a Russian military build-up in Syria. And so Iran and Russia are working closely together to bypass not only Bulgaria and Greece but more importantly – America. The Bible says that Russia and Iran will invade Israel together. It also says that Russia will protect Iran and guard them. The Syrian crisis has gone on for 4 years and has not abated. We may be reaching a climax of this conflict – one that might well spark Armageddon… BIBLE QUOTE And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia [Iran], Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: (Ezekiel 38: 4 -5)

Putin orders snap military drill of major division Newsweek, September 7, 2015 EVENT Russian president Vladimir Putin has ordered a snap military drill of Russian forces headquartered in the country's Central Military District according to a statement by the Russian minister of defence, Sergey Shoygu. "In accordance with the decree relating to troops in the [central] district, part of the air force of other military districts as well as Airborne troops and military transport aircraft have gone on full battle readiness from 09: 30 Moscow-time, " Shoygu told military officials on Monday. The drill is set to cover practical and theoretical aspects of military preparation and will particularly focus on communication between military command the air force and airborne troops. "We have to evaluate the capability of the Airborne Forces for long-distance deployments and their readiness for landing on unfamiliar zones" Shoygu added. The drill will last until September 12 and besides the Ministry of Defence, it will test other Russian state services' ability to respond to a war-type scenario including the Ministry of Health and the administrations of four nearby federal regions. COMMENT Russia is preparing for war! This week a snap drill was announced. Incredibly it involved 95, 000 personnel, over 7, 000 weapons and pieces of military hardware and about 170 aircraft! Russia has dramatically increased the size and frequency of its armed drills since relations between Moscow and the West began to deteriorate over the Ukraine crisis. In May the Russian military called a snap drill of its air force above the Central Military District with 12, 000 troops involved. The Bible says the Russia would begin to prepare for war. We are told this clearly in Ezekiel 38. Surely the preparation for war has begun. Russia must prepare if it is to descend like a cloud to cover the land as prophesied…. BIBLE QUOTE Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, (Ezekiel 38: 7 -8)

Russia 'creating forward air operating base in Syria' Daily Telegraph, September 14, 2015 EVENT Russia's latest movements at an airfield in Syria suggest plans to establish a forward air operating base, the Pentagon said on Monday, generally describing Russian movement of "people and things" in Syria but declining to offer specifics on US intelligence. "We have seen movement of people and things that would indicate that they plan to use that base there, south of Latakia, as a forward air operating base, " said Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis. The Syrian ambassador to Moscow, Riad Haddad, said talk of a Russian troop presence on the ground in Syria is "a lie", ITAR-TASS news agency reported. Two unnamed US officials told Reuters earlier on Monday that the United States believed Russia had moved tanks to the airfield. One of the officials said that seven Russian T-90 tanks were observed at the airfield near Latakia, a stronghold of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. COMMENT For over 150 years the Christadelphian community has understood that Russia would one day invade Israel. It is truly remarkable now to witness Russia setting up a forward base so deep into the Middle East. An operating air base in Syria with troops and tanks. This is a staging post for the future invasion. The king of the north is on the move – SOUTH. Surely for those who have doubted Russia’s future invasion of Israel must now see that it is entirely possible. We are no longer considering something that seems beyond all likelihood – but now it is a distinct possibility. With Bible in hand it was never doubted – but even with no Bible the direction is clear. There can surely be no excuse when we finally stand before the Lord Jesus at the judgement. We cannot say – “we had no evidence - we had no idea it was about to happen”. We have no excuse! BIBLE QUOTE How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. (Daniel 4: 3)

US presses Russia on military build-up BBC, September 16, 2015 EVENT US Secretary of State John Kerry has called his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in a bid to clarify the intent of Moscow's military build-up in Syria. Mr Kerry warned that continued support for President Bashar al-Assad "risks exacerbating and extending the conflict, " a statement said. The US accuses Russia of boosting its military presence in Syria. Russia - Mr Assad's ally in the four-year civil war - says it is helping Syria fight Islamic State militants. Moscow has increased its presence in the country just as the regime is losing ground to rebel groups. Mr Kerry's phone call to the Russian foreign minister is believed to be his third in the past 10 days. The state department statement said Mr Kerry warned that Russia's support for President Assad was "undermining our shared goal of fighting extremism if we do not also remain focused on finding a solution to the conflict in Syria via a genuine political transition". COMMENT America is very, very concerned about Russia’s intentions in Syria. It looks like the Russians are about to do what they did in Crimea. Send in troops / tanks / military equipment etc. A squadron of five Russian naval ships, equipped with guided missiles, has set off to conduct manoeuvres in Syrian territorial waters, including possibly firing rockets, a source close to the Russian navy told Reuters on Friday. America is seeking answers from Russia. But they will almost certainly not be told the truth. Events in relation to Syria are reaching a conclusion. The migration crisis in Europe stems from the turmoil in Syria. Plus ISIS is taking a hold of large parts of the country. America believes Assad must go to bring stability. Russia believes that Assad must stay. It could be in the ancient land of the king of the north that the final push comes. As the BBC said today Kerry is looking to push for a solution in Syria… BIBLE QUOTE And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. (Daniel 11: 40)

95, 000 Russian troops in massive military drill AFP, September 14, 2015 EVENT Russia on Monday launched its largest military exercises of the year, Centre-2015, involving some 95, 000 soldiers including ground troops, navy and air force units. The long-announced war games are "the most large-scale drill of 2015, " the defence ministry said. Russia has recently intensified snap checks of its military might, testing its capabilities from the Arctic to the Far East as relations with the West have plunged to a post-Cold War low over the Ukraine crisis. Centre-2015 takes place at 20 sites across Russia's central military district, which reaches from the Volga River to the Ural mountains and Siberia in the east, while also including far northern Russia. Troops from member states of the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), made up of several ex-Soviet countries, are also involved in the exercise. COMMENT When you consider that the UK has 116, 000 troops it puts into perspective the size of this exercise. It would be like almost the entire UK military on one huge exercise. Russia is seriously gearing up for action. Its not just troops…Russia has stepped up naval training exercises off the Syrian coast in recent months and is preparing to hold more drills, according to several sources, behaviour likely to fuel U. S. assertions that Moscow is building up its forces in the region. The Bible says Russia isn't just going to one day launch an attack on the spur of the moment. The attack is planned and prepared. Gog (Russia leader) thinks an evil thought – the word thought means plan. He plans it while Israel is dwelling confidently. We are told he spends time preparing his army for the event. This is what is happening. BIBLE QUOTE Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: 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, (Ezekiel 38: 10 -12)

Russia begins military operations in Syria as Putin sends 28 jets Daily Telegraph, September 21, 2015 EVENT Russia has begun its first military operations in Syria, and poured in 28 fighter jets as it becomes more deeply involved in the conflict, US officials say. The officials said 12 fighter jets and 12 close support aircraft had arrived in recent days in a Syrian air base in Latakia, where four jets were stationed last week. On top of that, Russian drones had started surveillance flights, they said. Earlier, Novaya Gazeta, an independent Russian newspaper had reported that Moscow might launch “demonstrative” strikes in support of Bashar al-Assad’s embattled Syrian government in the coming days, before President Vladimir Putin is due to speak to the United Nations general assembly next week. The apparent increase in the flow of Russian arms and personnel to Syria in recent weeks has prompted speculation that the Kremlin may be preparing for direct military intervention on Mr Assad’s side. COMMENT Russia is on the brink of beginning airstrikes in Syria. Putin is trying to get America onside with this. He wants a grand coalition to attack ISIS. But because Russia wants Assad to remain in power and America does not there is no chance of co-ordinated action. Therefore Putin may well go it alone. What is certain is that Russia is now gearing up for major action in Syria and the West looks helpless in stopping it. Debkafile reports that Russia troops have already gone into action on Thursday. They say that Russian Marine Brigade 810 fought with Syrian army and Hezbollah special forces in an attack on ISIS forces at the Kweiris airbase, east of Aleppo. Syria has descended into total chaos. Russia’s major ally, Assad, was hanging on by a thread – Putin does not want Syria to change direction and therefore has decided to defend him. All this is bring Russia into the Middle East as God said would happen…. BIBLE QUOTE for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction. I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman. The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place. Prepare ye war against her; (Jeremiah 6: 1 -4)

Russian jets in Syria mean no-fly zone is 'out of the question' Daily Telegraph, September 22, 2015 EVENT Vladimir Putin is carrying out Russia's biggest military intervention outside the old Soviet Union for almost 30 years. Russia’s deployment of jet fighters in Syria has effectively destroyed the West’s option of imposing a “no-fly zone” over the country, experts have warned, as the British Defence Secretary said the intervention risked deepening the crisis. The Kremlin’s operation in Syria amounts to the biggest deployment of Russian forces outside the former Soviet Union since the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989. So far, President Vladimir Putin has dispatched about 500 troops to the city of Latakia and the adjacent port of Tartous on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. He has also deployed 28 warplanes, 15 military helicopters – including MI-24 gunships – and at least two batteries of SA-22 surface-to-air missiles. COMMENT Putin said this week. . "There is no other solution to the Syrian crisis than strengthening the effective government structures and rendering them help in fighting terrorism. ” But his unilateral action could well make the situation worse according to analysts. It brings both the US and Russia into the same arena of conflict but on different sides. But what does the Bible say about this situation. Well it talks specifically about Syria in the last days. We are told Damascus will cease to be a city and the nation (kingdom) of Syria will come to an end. None of this happened yet. But when does it happen? It happens BEFORE Russia invades. But now Russia is in Syria how could it happen? There must be some even greater conflict yet to occur in Syria. Russia could therefore become embroiled in that conflict. As well as taking spoil from Israel (the pull) Putin might also invade Israel due to the “push” – the provocation detailed in Daniel 11: 40. BIBLE QUOTE The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from (Isaiah 17: 1 -3) Damascus, and the remnant of Syria:

Russia threatens US with nuclear arms 'countermeasures' Daily Telegraph, September 23, 2015 EVENT Reports that America is upgrading its nuclear arsenal in Germany prompts threat of retaliation Russia has threatened to take “countermeasures” if the United States goes ahead with the deployment of a new type of nuclear weapon to bases in Germany, raising fears of a return to a Cold War style arms race in Europe. The Kremlin said plans reported by German media for the US to upgrade its nuclear weapons arsenal in the country would be “a serious step towards raising tension” in Europe. “Unfortunately, in the case of these plans - and we can say with certainty that they are moving towards realisation - this can lead to a violation of the strategic balance in Europe, ” said Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putin’s spokesman. “Therefore, of course, that would require Russia to take counter-steps and countermeasures to restore balance and parity, ” he added. COMMENT As well as tensions between Russia and America over Syria they are also taking place between Russia and America in Europe. The deployment of new US nuclear weapons in Europe was supposed to be secret, but details appear to have been leaked in recent weeks. The US is planning to replace 20 nuclear weapons deployed at Büchel airbase in western Germany with a more modern variant, according to details first reported by ZDF television. The new version of the weapon is more accurate and less destructive. They can also be fired as missiles, while the older version had to be dropped from aircraft. It has led some to think that governments may be less cautious about using them due their lower power. They are “tactical” nuclear weapons. The world is speeding towards war – but Christ will probably return before Armageddon begins… BIBLE QUOTE And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. It is possible that nuclear weapons are used and cause the plague mentioned here (Zechariah 14: 12)

Ukraine crisis: Kiev bans Russian airlines' flights BBC, September 26, 2015 EVENT Ukraine has said it will ban Russian airlines from flying into the country as part of sanctions over Moscow's support for rebels in the east. Kiev said the measures would take effect on 25 October and would include major Russian airlines Aeroflot and Transaero. Russian transit flights will also be banned if the planes carry military personnel or dual-use goods. Moscow described the move as "an act of madness", promising a firm response. The flight ban was announced by Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk. "Russian planes with the Russian tricolour have no business in Ukrainian airports, " he said. Last week, Ukraine imposed sanctions against 400 people and 90 legal entities - most of them from Russia - held responsible for Moscow's annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Russian officials said they would be forced to take adequate measures. COMMENT For the last month the fighting in Ukraine has abated. It hasn’t stopped altogether but it has become sporadic. But something in the last few days appears to have changed. First of all there was this report out the blue that Ukraine is going to ban all Russian flights into Ukraine from Oct 25 th. This will certainly provoke a response from Russia. Secondly, on Friday, all UN agencies were ordered out of rebel-held parts of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine. The UN humanitarian aid chief expressed alarm at this development. “Some 150, 000 people are already not receiving monthly food distributions, " he said. So we see the crisis in Ukraine potentially building up again. One report this week said that Russia is clearly willing to fight in two conflicts at once. Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The Bible says the gentiles would prepare for war at the time of the end. BIBLE QUOTE Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. (Joel 3: 9 -10)

Netanyahu meets Putin to discuss concerns over Russian activity Syria Guardian, September 21, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has met the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, to discuss security concerns along Israel’s northern border and how to avoid accidental clashes between Israel and Russian forces supporting Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. Netanyahu’s lightning visit to Moscow on Monday follows concern in Israel that the ongoing Russian military buildup will threaten its defence, through fears that Russian-supplied weapons will end up in the hands of Hezbollah, fighting in Syria on Assad’s side, and because it will make it more difficult for Israeli aircraft to strike there. In an unusual move, Netanyahu was accompanied by his defence chief of staff, Lt Gen Gadi Eizenkot, and the head of military intelligence, Maj Gen Herzl Halevi, whose presence – according to Israeli analysts and media – underlined the seriousness of the discussions. Israel is very concerned about developments in Syria – especially this new intervention by Russia. Hence Netanyahu’s flying visit to meet Putin with his most senior Israeli military officials. Russia is building a new airbase in Syria for its jets. But interestingly Israel has struck very close to this site on two previous occasions. Once in 2013 and once in 2014. Israel wants the ability to continue to be able to strike Syria if it needs to. But now Russia stands in the way! In recent months Israel has struck weapons supply facilities for Hezbollah and convoys, as well as personnel directing what it says has been a Hezbollah buildup close to Israel’s northern border. No wonder Israel is concerned about Russian movements. As mentioned already, there is a terrible destruction coming in Syria. It actually sees Israel greatly weakened at the same time. Look, the city of Damascus will disappear! It will become a heap of ruins. The fortified towns of Israel will also be destroyed and the royal power of Damascus will end. “In that day Israel’s glory will grow dim; its robust body will waste away. The whole land will look like a grainfield after the harvesters have gathered the grain. (Isaiah 17: 1 -5 NLT)

Russia's intervention in Syria lifts crisis to new level Daily Telegraph, October 2, 2015 EVENT The Russian intervention is a game-changer which opens a new chapter in the ever-escalating Syrian saga and lifts it to a yet higher level of crisis. Western nations on Friday accused Russia of escalating the Syrian conflict and fuelling extremism, as Moscow's warplanes conducted air strikes for a third day amid mounting fears over civilian casualties. A bellicose Russia waded into the four year-long conflict on Wednesday, launching surprise bombing runs against rebel groups fighting the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad while vowing to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil). Britain, the United States and five other nations called on Russia to "immediately" end attacks on the Syrian opposition and civilians and to focus only on fighting Isil. In a statement, they expressed "deep concern" over the Russian military build-up in Syria and, in particular, strikes on Hama, Homs and Idlib, saying these had caused civilian casualties and did not target the jihadist group. COMMENT It was back on September 5 th that we first reported that Russia was building a new military base in Syria. At that point it was just anonymous officials saying that Russia had setup an air traffic control unit and housing for thousands of troops. We then reported how warplanes were landing in Syria. Within one month Russia has begun bombing in Syria is becoming the epicentre of something much, much worse. So why after 4 years is Russia suddenly getting involved? It is because Assad was on the verge of losing power. The Western-backed regional powers supporting the anti. Assad rebels - mainly Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey - started working more closely together. America began pumping in more money and hardware. The rebels were gaining ground. The king of the north (Putin) has suddenly descended to stop this… BIBLE QUOTE Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, : This rushing of nations into Israel occurs after Syria has fallen – see start of chapter. (Isaiah 17: 12 -13)

How Putin blindsided the US over Syria BBC News, September 30, 2015 EVENT President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President Barack Obama on Monday night to explain what Russia's plan was - and although there were profound differences, US officials said they understood better what Russia's intentions were. And yet. Isn't there something totally jaw-dropping, gob-smacking, eyebrow-arching, ear twitchingly extraordinary - and not to mention, casual - about the way the Americans learnt about Russian plans? It began with a phone call from a Russian diplomat to his counterpart in Baghdad to say "we've got something interesting to tell you”. Then a three-star Russian general leaves the Russian embassy compound and knocks on the door of the American one, and asks to see the US military attache. He tells the American military man that bombing starts in an hour, so you'd better get out of Syrian airspace now and move any assets you have off the ground. And 60 minutes later, the bombing started. Wow. COMMENT An extraordinarily dangerous situation has now developed in Syria. Russia is now bombing anti Assad groups that America and Saudi Arabia are supporting. Just consider this - the risks of a US fighter plane running into a Russian one with unimaginable consequences has just ratcheted up. Are they going to take it on turns to bomb targets? Russia has clearly not been attacking ISIS. Out of 20 bombing raids only one has struck known ISIS positions. All the rest are anti Assad rebels. The trouble is that US almost certainly has special forces in some of the positions. What if they find themselves coming under fire - do they call in US close air support to see off their Russian attackers? The king of the north and king of the south could easily come into conflict in Syria. The king of the south (USA) will militarily provoke Russia. BIBLE QUOTE And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. We often quote this verse – but it (Daniel 11: 40) is key – the push from the king of the south is the prelude to Russia invading.

U. S. , allies short on options as Russia, Iran flex muscle in Syria Reuters, October 2, 2015 EVENT Across the Middle East, America’s traditional allies are watching with disbelief as Russia and Iran mount a show of force in Syria, and they are wondering how it will end. The U. S. -led coalition, created to combat the jihadi threat from Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, has been wrong footed by the Russian jets pounding the rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and by an influx of Iranian forces. The question on everyone’s mind is: will the United States and its European and regional Sunni allies intervene to stop President Vladimir Putin from reversing the gains made by mainstream Syrian rebels after more than four years of war? Few are holding their breath. Many say, often with vehemence, that the current drama is the consequence of ongoing Western inaction and U. S. retreat at critical moments in an ever more uncontrollable conflict, whose regional dimensions are fast becoming global. COMMENT As the article says – this is an ever more uncontrollable conflict – regional dimensions are fast becoming global. The king of the south is made up of Saudi Arabia and America/ UK. The king of the north is made up of Russia and Iran etc. But Ezekiel 38 that speaks of these two opposing powers does NOT mention Syria. Why not? Because Syria / Damascus has been destroyed BEFORE the Gogian invasion. The Syrian conflict is part of the stage 1 of the final conflict. It is the conflict detailed in Zechariah 12 and Isaiah 17. There will be a war (coming soon) between Israel and her surrounding neighbours (Palestinians, Hezbollah, Syria). It will see the total end of Syria as a nation. Israel will be left greatly weakened. At this point Israel’s “pricking briers” will be removed. But shortly after a so-called peace Russia will descend… BIBLE QUOTE Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon: For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am the LORD. And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 28: 22 -24)

Russian operations in Syria could last 'three or four months' Daily Telegraph, October 2, 2015 EVENT Russian air strikes in support of Bashar Assad's embattled government enter third day amid mounting reports of an imminent regime ground offensive. Russian forces in Syria flew 18 sorties against 12 targets between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, the Russian ministry of defence has said, as one official said the air strikes could last "three to four months". The latest air strikes come as further details emerged of the shape of Russia’s military campaign in Syria, with fresh reports of an imminent Iranian and Hezbollah-backed ground offensive being planned in co-ordination with the Russian air strikes. Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent military analyst, said Mr Peskov’s comments indicated the Kremlin has decided to “win the war” for Bashar Assad’s government once and for all. “Right now they are just softening up the opposition. Then there will come the ground offensive. It will be us in the air and Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah on the ground, ” he said. COMMENT Reports suggest that a ground offensive is shortly going to take place in Syria - but not using Russian troops. The offensive will be using Hezbollah and Iranian forces but overseen and supported by Russia. Analysts believe that Russia is softening up targets ready for these ground forces to attack. Iran has sent thousands of fighters into Syria – so has Hezbollah. Now with Russian air support they can make real advances. Russia has warned Israel not to attack anywhere in Syria. Israel has often conducted missile strikes when Hezbollah or Iranian troops were getting too much of an advantage. The Syrian situation is now far more complex for Israel. Psalm 83 speaks of Israel’s immediate neighbours making war on Israel. Something will happen that will indeed bring Israel into conflict with these terror groups in Syria. BIBLE QUOTE They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; (Psalm 83: 4 -6)

Russian missiles 'hit IS in Syria from Caspian Sea' Daily Telegraph, October 7, 2015 EVENT Russian warships in the Caspian Sea have launched dozens of missiles into Syria, sharply escalating a military campaign to shield the regime from rebel forces. Travelling more than 900 miles, the missiles struck 11 targets inside the war-torn country, officials said. In a video apparently showing their launch, bright white lights seared through the sky, trailed by thick plumes of smoke. Moscow's missiles added additional force to airstrikes backing a Syrian regime ground offensive in four locations across the provinces of Hama and Idlib on Wednesday. The deployment of cruise missiles and air strikes marked a significant escalation of the campaign to shield the regime from rebel forces which began in earnest last week. It was the first time operations had been openly coordinated with forces loyal to Bashar al -Assad, one of the Kremlin’s only remaining allies in the Middle East. COMMENT These missiles flew over Iraq and Iran to reach Syria. Why would Russia fire missiles from such a long distance away when they have military jets that could do this based in Syria? The answer may well be that sea-launched cruise missiles have long been a favourite US weapon of choice in interventions overseas. So there may be an element of Russia demonstrating that it has the full military capability of any other "superpower". But all this adds to the increasing tensions between America and Russia. It is yet another complication to a fraught situation. Putin actually released footage of the missiles roaring into the sky on their deathly mission. President Putin praised the Russian military, saying the armed forces were “well prepared”. It is interesting he said this. The Bible says that Gog (Russian leader) would prepare for himself and for those nations assembled with him eg Iran. The preparation is done. War has begun. BIBLE QUOTE Be thou [Russian leader – Putin] prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. (Ezekiel 38: 7)

Here's how World War Three could start tomorrow Daily Telegraph, October 9, 2015 EVENT It would only take a small spark to start a conflict between Nato and China or Russia - unleashing previously unseen forms of warfare. For the last two decades, leaders in London and Washington have become focused on operations in places like Sierra Leona, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Syria, where the worry was, and is, weak and imploding states. But bigger trends are at play globally. We are seeing the return of great power politics – and with it, the risk of powerful states going to war. Conflict with the likes of Russia or China was something that seemed buried with the end of the Cold War. Yet today’s simmering tensions mean there is a risk of such an outcome becoming all too real. As in the past, it is perfectly possible that a third world war could start with a small event, or even by accident. One of the many Russian bomber planes now probing NATO’s borders could collide with an RAF Typhoon, prompting an aerial skirmish the likes of which the world has not seen for decades. COMMENT When Jesus return shortly there will no excuse for us not being ready. Even those without the knowledge of what is to happen can see how WW 3 could occur now at any time – even tomorrow! With Bible in hand we have seen (and can see) what is to come because God in his mercy has told us in advance so we can prepare. Only a few weeks ago there was no sign of Russia intending to join this war… and now here we are with Russia sending cruise missiles 900 miles into Syria and bombing everyday against US backed rebels. NATO has said today it is prepared to send troops to Turkey to defend its ally after violations of Turkish airspace by Russian jets. The first stage of WW 3 is centred on Syria but it quickly develops into an invasion of Israel. BIBLE QUOTE Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD. To watch a video on the 3 stages of the final judgement CLICK HERE (Joel 3: 10 -11)

Assad praises Putin during surprise talks in Moscow Daily Telegraph, October 21, 2015 EVENT President Vladimir Putin and Syria’s dictator exchanged beaming handshakes and vowed to continue their joint military campaign when Bashar al-Assad made a surprise appearance in Moscow. For the first time since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011, Assad felt confident enough to leave his country. He flew to Moscow on board a Russian military aircraft to meet Mr Putin on Tuesday night, returning to Damascus by the time the Kremlin announced his visit on Wednesday. The meeting came three weeks after Mr Putin sent the Russian air force into action to support Assad’s regime in Syria. Before this operation began on Sept 30, Assad had suffered a series of military defeats to the point where Mr Putin’s intervention may have saved the dictator from being overthrown. A senior Iranian official also confirmed that “Tehran and Moscow are following a specific unified policy inside Syria”, adding: “The relationship between Tehran and Moscow is a durable one and a continuing one. ” COMMENT Putin is continuing to increase his support for Assad while at the same time saying there should be talks. Russia is now driving the agenda in Syria while the US and the West look on not knowing how to counteract this. America remains firm that there is no future for Assad. "We view the red carpet welcome for Assad, who has used chemical weapons against his own people, at odds with the stated goal by the Russians for a political transition in Syria, " White House spokesperson told reporters. The headlines this week said that America “poured scorn on this visit” and was “angered by it”. We see here the new king of the north (Russia) supporting the original king of the north. Russia will completely replace Syria as king of the north when Syria is destroyed. BIBLE QUOTE The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts. Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! Verse 4 speaks of Syria coming to an end. Verse 12 is Russia coming down (Isaiah 17: 4+12)

Russia retreats to autarky as poverty looms Daily Telegraph, October 18, 2015 EVENT Russia is running out of money. President Vladimir Putin is taking a strategic gamble, depleting the Kremlin's last reserve funds to cover the budget and to pay for an escalating war in Syria at the same time. The three big rating agencies have all issued alerts over recent days, warning that the country's public finances are deteriorating fast and furiously. There is no prospect of an oil revival as long as Saudi Arabia continues to flood the market. Russia cannot borrow abroad at a viable cost. Standard & Poor's says the budget deficit will balloon to 4. 4 pc of GDP this year, including short-falls in local government spending and social security. The government has committed a further $40 bn to bailing out the banking system. Russia is pressing ahead with massive rearmament, pushing defence spending towards 5 pc of GDP and risking the sort of military overstretch that bankrupted the Soviet Union. COMMENT So what is happening in Russia and especially in Putin’s mind? Is the venture into Syria connected to the collapse of Russia’s wealth with falling oil / gas prices? One report this week suggested the following. Putin is trying to end crippling sanctions and isolation from the West. So his plan is as follows. He wants Russia and America to work together over Syria. If they are working together militarily how can sanctions remain? So his plan is to create a common enemy which they can fight together. The common enemy is ISIS. But the US is fighting ISIS through rebels in Syria who also want to get rid of Assad. So Putin thinks that if the rebels are destroyed there are then just two options. ISIS or Assad. Russia / America could then join forces to defeat ISIS. Russia is then in from the cold and sanctions are stopped. But this plan fails. The Bible says that America militarily provokes Russia at some point which causes WW 3. BIBLE QUOTE And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. We are still waiting for the push to happen. It is a military provocation by US/UK against Russia (Daniel 11: 40)

US and Russia agree to work for 'nationwide ceasefire’ Daily Telegraph, October 30, 2015 EVENT America and Russia agreed to work towards a “nationwide ceasefire” between Syria's regime and opposition groups on Friday when every foreign power with any involvement in the civil war met for the first time. The talks in Vienna drew together implacable enemies on opposing sides of Syria’s conflict, notably Saudi Arabia and Iran. The 17 countries represented around the table included allies of Bashar al-Assad – and supporters of the rebels fighting to bring him down. On Friday, John Kerry, the US secretary of state, was positioned at the head of the negotiating table alongside Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister. After eight hours of talks – four more than scheduled – all the parties agreed to ask the United Nations to “explore modalities for, and implementation of, a nationwide ceasefire”. The countries also agreed that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) "must be defeated". How this would be compatible with a "nationwide ceasefire" was left unexplained. COMMENT There were two groups at this meeting. The one group wants Assad gone. The does not. What is amazing is how these two groups line up. They are almost exactly lined up as Ezekiel 38 prophesied they would. On the one hand there is Russia and Iran who want Assad to stay. On the other hand there is the US, UK, Saudi Arabia who want Assad gone. Ezekiel 38 puts Russia and Iran together. Ezekiel also details the opposing force as US / UK and the gulf states including Saudi Arabia. These talks are a last ditch desperate attempt to try to draw a line under the ever increasing conflict in Syria that has cost the lives of 250, 000 people and displaced millions. We know with Bible in hand the future for Syria is that it will completely fail as a nation and Damascus will cease to be a city. This time is FAST approaching… BIBLE QUOTE The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from (Isaiah 17: 1 -3) Damascus,

Syria conflict: Russia warns US of 'proxy war risk' BBC online, October 31, 2015 EVENT Russia has warned of the risk of a "proxy war" in the Middle East after the US said it would send special forces to Syria. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said this increased the need for co-operation between the US and Russia. US officials said "fewer than 50" troops would "train, advise and assist" vetted opposition forces in fighting the so-called Islamic State (IS). It will be the first time that US troops operate openly in Syria. Mr Lavrov said the US had decided on its move "unilaterally and without any reference to the Syrian leadership”. He added: "I am convinced that neither the United States nor Russia of course want any kind of slide into a so-called proxy war. But to me it is obvious that this situation makes the task of co-operation between the militaries even more relevant. ” He was speaking after talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry and UN envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura in Vienna. COMMENT The day after the talks both sides showed that they were determined to fight on. America announced it would be sending special forces into Syria to help the rebels. Russia then warned of a “proxy war”. Russia is saying that America and Russia could end up being at war with each other through the different armed forces they are supporting in Syria. The real point is that a proxy war is underway right now. America is pushing back at Russia’s recent involvement in Syria. Although it is a small step it is supposed to send a reassuring message to America’s unsettled allies and show Russia they are not going to back down. Events in Syria are reaching a critical stage. Something will happen to drag Israel into this conflict. Isaiah 17 says this clearly. The removal of Syria as a nation will create the vacuum into which Russia will descend. Ezekiel 38 comes after Isaiah 17 v 1 -5. BIBLE QUOTE And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. 17: 4) (Isaiah Notice that Israel is made thin / lean in the day that Syria fails as a nation. This is still to happen.

Syria mission demonstrates Russia's new prowess Associated Press, October 24, 2015 EVENT Sleek combat jets loaded with precision bunker-buster bombs roar into the skies as soldiers in desert-style uniforms march past rows of neat housing at this Russian military base at one of Syria’s largest airports. The air campaign in Syria, Russia’s first military action outside the former Soviet Union since the war in Afghanistan, shows a revamped Russian military, which sharply differs in both capability and mindset from the old, Soviet-style force. It is capable of quickly projecting power far from Russian borders, widely uses drones and precision weapons, and cares about soldiers’ comfort. As part of President Vladimir Putin’s sweeping military modernization program, the air force received hundreds of new and modernized aircraft, all equipped with state-of-the art electronics on a par with U. S. and NATO jets. “All aircraft here at the base are equipped with targeting systems that allow hitting targets with pinpoint precision, ” said Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. -Gen. Igor Konashenkov. COMMENT The West has been amazed at how Russia has improved its military know-how. Russia is demonstrating for the first time how far they have come in terms of technology and skill. Putin has invested billions into the army, navy and air force of Russia which enables him now to project force into the Middle East with ease. One headline this week said “Russia’s naval encirclement of Syria”. The report went on to detail how Russia has surrounded Syria with high tech warships - some of which launched cruise missiles hitting pin point targets 1500 km away in Syria. The Bible said that the Russian leader (Gog) would prepare a vast army. The preparation has gone on in earnest for a decade. Russia is now showing the world what it can do. There is more to come. BIBLE QUOTE “‘Get ready; be prepared, you and all the hordes gathered about you, and take command of them. After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, God is talking to Gog – Russia leader (Putin) – and telling him to get ready and be prepared! (Ezekiel 38: 7 -8 NIV)

Russia: Key reserve fund to run dry by end of 2016 Associated Press, October 27, 2015 EVENT Russia says it will likely deplete one of its two rainy day funds by the end of next year as it tries to plug the state deficit amid the economic downturn. The economy fell into recession this year for the first time since 2009 due to Western sanctions and a drop in prices for the country's crucial energy exports. Personal incomes have fallen for the first time since President Vladimir Putin came to power 15 years ago. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told the parliament on Tuesday that the Reserve Fund, which holds 4. 7 trillion rubles ($74 billion), is likely to halve by the end of the year with oil prices as low as they are. "This means that 2016 could be the last year when we have these reserves to spend, " Siluanov said. "From then on, we will have no resources like this. ” As oil prices began to climb in the mid-2000 s, Russia decided to set aside some profits from oil exports into two rainy day funds. COMMENT It’s quite incredible that over 150 years ago the pioneer Christadelphian – Dr John Thomas wrote a book called “Elpis Israel”. In the book he said Russia would become bankrupt. He also said that Russia would make a grand move to rebuild an empire. “Let the Russian treasury be as empty as it is said to be, and its expenditure exceed its revenue by double the alleged deficit, it will only operate as a pressure from within, causing her Autocrat to "enter into the countries and to overflow and pass over, " and to enrich himself with the spoil of those he is destined to subdue. ” and “When Russia makes its grand move for the building-up of its Image-empire, then let the reader know that the end of all things, as at present constituted, is at hand. The long-expected, but stealthy advent of the King of Israel, will be on the eve of becoming a fact. . . ”. The headline above covers the bankruptcy. The previous headlines cover the grand move. BIBLE QUOTE The end of all things is at hand. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4: 7 -8 NIV)

Metrojet disaster could drag Russia further into Syria Daily Telegraph, November 5, 2015 EVENT Russia may have suffered its worst terrorist attack since the 2004 Beslan school siege. If so, Vladimir Putin faces difficult choices about how to respond. Whatever brought down the Metrojet Airbus, the worst aviation disaster in Russian history has massive implications for the Russian government and the public. By suspending all flights between Britain and Sharm el-Sheikh pending a security review, David Cameron has now given the clearest indication yet that governments believe terrorism may be at the root of the disaster. If so, Vladimir Putin and his advisors will have to think hard about how to respond. Either way he and his government will come under massive pressure to respond, forcefully and visibly, against the perpetrators. COMMENT Last Saturday just after last week’s WWW was issued a Russian passenger jet crashed on the Sinai peninsula. It has become increasingly clear this was a terrorist attack by ISIS. More than likely a bomb smuggled on board the plane. Putin has been loath to acknowledge this. The reason being he promised his people that his Syrian adventure would bring them more security from ISIS. If the plane was blown out of the sky killing mainly Russians his words would sound hollow. Putin is someone who has to act when something like this happens. When he finally does acknowledge (which he may have to) his response will be to respond with even more involvement in Syria not less. Any backing down will be seen as weakness in his eyes. More Russian involvement in Syria not less is on the cards. This would lead to even greater tensions between the US and Russia. Events are moving fast – the Syrian storm might be about to get worse. BIBLE QUOTE He [latter day Antiochus Epiphanes – king of the north – Gog – Russian leader - Putin] will cause a shocking amount of destruction and succeed in everything he does. He will destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people. He will be a master of deception and will become arrogant; he will destroy many without warning. (Daniel 8: 24 -25 NLT)

Russia Syria force grows to 4, 000, U. S. officials say Reuters, November 4, 2015 EVENT Moscow's military force in Syria has grown to about 4, 000 personnel, but this and more than a month of Russian air strikes have not led to pro-government forces making significant territorial gains, U. S. security officials and independent experts said. Moscow, which has maintained a military presence in Syria for decades as an ally of the ruling Assad family, had an estimated 2, 000 personnel in the country when it began air strikes on Sept. 30. The Russian force has since roughly doubled and the number of bases it is using has grown, U. S. security officials said. The Russians have suffered combat casualties, including deaths, said three U. S. security officials familiar with U. S. intelligence reporting, adding that they did not know the exact numbers. The United States has extensive intelligence assets in the region, along with satellite imagery and electronic eavesdropping coverage and contacts in Syria. . COMMENT Russia continues to build a military presence in Syria. Christopher Harmer, a senior analyst with the Institute for the Study of War, a research institute, said the increase in Russian forces on the ground represents support and logistical personnel needed to sustain combat operations. So the signs are that Russia is preparing for on the ground troops. He predicted the Russian force could expand to 8, 000 or more. ”The increase to 4, 000 is simply the logistical tail to support the combat tooth, " he said. As well as preparations for conflict in Syria, Russian nuclear forces also conducted a large-scale exercise this week that included test firings of several long-range missiles along with dual-capable shorter range ballistic and cruise missiles, according to U. S. officials. These exercises were conducted in greater secrecy than normal. We see the preparation for war taking place. Without Christ’s intervention no one would survive it. BIBLE QUOTE For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones. (Matthew 24: 21 -22 NLT)

Russian bombers fly 8, 000 miles to strike Syria Daily Telegraph, November 20, 2015 EVENT Russian long-range bombers were intercepted by RAF fighters during a mammoth 8, 000 -mile show of strength as they flew around the edge of Europe to fire missiles at Syria. RAF Typhoons from Lossiemouth in Scotland scrambled to escort the two Blackjack Tu-160 bombers as the skirted UK airspace along the Atlantic. The supersonic Russian jet bombers then flew south to Gibraltar before entering the Mediterranean and firing cruise missiles at targets in Syria and heading home north eastwards. Defence sources said the Russian bombers are believed to have taken the roundabout route rather than a more direct flight across the Caspian and Iran to demonstrate to Nato their long range bombing ability. The Aviationist website reported the two aircraft, the largest combat planes in the world, took of from Olenegorsk airbase, in the Kola Peninsula at around 9 pm UK time on Wednesday. COMMENT Putin has now confirmed that terrorists did blow up the plane that took off from Sharm El Sheikh killing 224 people – almost all were Russian. Following his announcement the Russian Air Force heavy bombers made their first appearance over Syria last night. The fact they travelled so far (8, 000 miles) was to show to the West how powerful Russia has become. Russia released a video showing the planes which were being protected by Iranian F-14 fighter jets. One military expert pointed out that this shows Russia and Iran are working closely together and Russia may even be launching cruise missiles from Iran into Syria. Events seem to be bringing more nations, more weapons, more destruction into Syria every week. We know at some point the epicentre of the conflict will move from Syria – to Israel…but this happens after Syria is destroyed. BIBLE QUOTE Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail. How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy! Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts. (Jeremiah 49: 24 -26)

Russia to provide Iran with S-300 air defence missiles BBC News, November 9, 2015 EVENT Russia has signed a contract to supply Iran with sophisticated S-300 surface-to-air missiles. The contract got the go-ahead after international sanctions on Iran were lifted earlier this year, following a deal over its nuclear programme. Israel, the US and Saudi Arabia are all opposed to the missile contract. Russian officials say the first batch could be delivered 18 months after Iran has specified the S-300 type that it wants. Technical talks are continuing. "The deal to supply the S-300 to Iran has not only been signed between the parties but it has already come into force, " said Sergei Chemezov, head of Russia's Rostec arms firm, speaking at the Dubai Airshow-2015. The $800 m (£ 545 m) contract, signed in 2007, was frozen by Russia in 2010 because of the international sanctions. President Vladimir Putin unfroze it in April. Israel and the US fear the missiles could be used to protect Iranian nuclear sites from air strikes. COMMENT Russia is working ever closer with Iran. America signed a deal with Iran that has removed sanctions but supposedly restricted Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Now Iran is in from the cold Russia has stepped in to help them with new missile technology. These S-300 missiles would make it extremely difficult for Israel to launch any pre-emptive attack if they felt Iran was getting close to getting nuclear weapons. These missiles are highly sophisticated state of the art defensive weapons. They can bring down multiple incoming missiles and planes. Russia therefore is protecting Iran. In Ezekiel 38 we read that Gog (Russian leader) acts as a guard to Persia (Iran). The Hebrew word for guard means to act as a guard or someone who protects. The Queen has guards who protect her. That is the principle here. We know that one day Russia and Iran will invade Israel together. This is preparation for that. BIBLE QUOTE Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, (Ezekiel 38: 7 -8)

Turkey shoots down Russian plane near Syrian border Free Beacon, November 24, 2015 EVENT CNN is reporting Tuesday that a Russian warplane near the Turkish-Syria border was shot down by Turkish aircraft for what the country called a violation of its airspace. Turkish media is reporting that two of its F-16 s hit the Russian plane within the rules of engagement and after several warnings, while Russian state media said that it was “gunned down from the ground. ” According to BBC, it marks the first time a Russian plane has crashed in Syria since Vladimir Putin began ordering air support to assist Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Putin called the incident a “stab in the back” and said there would be consequences for Turkey. COMMENT The conflict in Syria continues to get worse. More and more nations are getting involved with more and more weapons. Many predicted the eventual clash of outside nations and finally it has happened. But it almost certainly won’t be the last. Putin was furious about the downing of one of his fighter jets and demanded an apology. Sergey Lavrov has cancelled a planned trip to Turkey. But is the start of a war between Russia and Turkey? Will Russia decide to attack Turkey in response? … even invade Turkey? With Bible in hand we can say…no! There is an impact of course of this attack (which we will discuss in this WWW) but the outcome will not be war or an invasion of Turkey by Russia. You will note that Russia sees what happened as a “stab in the back” - a phrase often used when referring to betrayal of a friend. Turkey has indeed befriended Russia in recent years – turning their back on Europe. The ultimate destiny of Turkey is to stay on-side with Russia. Whatever happens in the short term Turkey will join with Russia in invading Israel at some point in the future. Turkey is a nation specifically singled out in Ezekiel 38 – Gomer and Togarmah are old names for Turkey. BIBLE QUOTE Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. If God wanted to describe Turkey invading Israel there are no better names than Gomer and Togarmah. In fact there are no other names that would describe this land at the time of Ezekiel. Even if other nations are included it must include Turkey. (Ezekiel 38: 6)

Russia deploys S-400 missile battery in Syria Times of Israel, November 26, 2015 EVENT The Russian military has deployed its sophisticated S-400 missile battery and radar array in Syria, a Russian state-run media outlet claimed Thursday. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had announced Wednesday that the system would be deployed in Latakia, in northwest Syria, in response to Turkey shooting down a Russian warplane the day before. This nigh-impossible speed that would be required to bring in and activate the system in barely 24 hours has prompted some to question whether the S 400 system had been in place well before the Turkish military shot down the Su-24 M aircraft, or if it is in place at all. The advanced missile system, completed in 2007, is capable of detecting and destroying aircraft some 400 kilometers (250 miles) away. Its deployment in Latakia will grant Russia aerial control over practically all of Syria, Lebanon and Cyprus, half of Turkey, parts of Iraq and Jordan - and, of course, Israel. COMMENT The shooting down by Turkey of the Russian plane has certainly some enormous consequences. The main consequence is the increase in Russian military hardware into Syria. Reports say that literally days before the incident Russia was about to do a deal with America to reduce its attacks in Syria and to begin to compromise on targets. But this was scrapped following the loss of their fighter plane. Russia has deployed its most sophisticated missile battery into Syria. This is a dramatic move because effectively Russia will dominate Syrian airspace (and beyond). If Russia wanted to it took take out any enemy aircraft and missiles. It is a projection of Russian strength into the region. Russia we know is the new king of the north. The ancient king of the north was Syria. With Syria as a nation in its death throes the new king of the north is setting up its military forces with speed. We may also see the UK enter the war next week… BIBLE QUOTE Damascus has become feeble, and all her people turn to flee. Fear, anguish, and pain have gripped her as they grip a woman in labour. That famous city, a city of joy, will be forsaken. Her young men will fall in the streets and die. Her soldiers will all be killed, ” says the Lord of Hosts. The superpowers are fighting different wars in Syria – it will end as described. (Jeremiah 49: 24 -25)

Russia: No war with Turkey over 'planned provocation' Aljazeera, November 25, 2015 EVENT Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described the downing of a Russian warplane by Turkey as a "planned provocation" but said the two countries would not go to war over the incident. "We have serious doubts about this being an unpremeditated act, it really looks like a planned provocation, " Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow on Wednesday. Lavrov, who cancelled a trip to Istanbul scheduled for Wednesday, said Moscow would seriously reconsider its relations with Ankara over the downed plane. "Our attitude to the Turkish people has not changed. We have questions over the action of Turkey's current leadership, " he said. COMMENT As we mentioned Turkey will ultimately remain on Russia’s side even if in the short term there are incidents as we have seen. The Russian Foreign minister has said that Russia will NOT go to war with Turkey over the incident. Putin has demanded an apology and has threatened to cut economic ties. But Turkey needs Russia for energy and Russia needs Turkey for economic reasons. This is why ultimately both sides will try to repair the situation. This afternoon Turkey’s president has said he is saddened by the downing of the Russian jet. Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he wished the incident had not happened and hoped it would not happen again. This is not the apology Putin wants but we can see it moving closer to that position. So can we be certain that Gomer and Togarmah are Turkey in Ezekiel 38? We can be certain that they once were! Ancient maps and ancient historians tell us that they were. Herodotus and Plutarch identified Gomer with the Cimmerians. Cimmeria is Cappadocia - central Turkey. Josephus says Gomer = Galatia = central Turkey. BIBLE QUOTE “Gomer founded those whom the Greeks now call Galatians, but were then called Gomerites” (Antiquities of the Jews, Book I, VI, 1). “Thrugramma [Togarmah] the Thrugrammeans, who, as the Greeks resolved, were named Phrygians lived in Turkey and Armenia ((Antiquities of the Jews, Book I, VI, 1)

Russia prepares reprisals over Crimea blackout Reuters, November 22, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE Russia said on Tuesday it would cut off gas supplies to Ukraine and threatened to halt coal deliveries, ratcheting up a dispute over a power blackout in Crimea at a time when a ceasefire between Kiev and separatist rebels is fraying. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak accused the Ukrainian authorities of deliberately refusing to help rebuild power lines to Russia-annexed Crimea, which were blown up by unknown saboteurs over the weekend. The peninsula of 2 million people is relying on emergency generators to meet its basic power needs, with pro-Ukrainian activists, including nationalist battalions and ethnic Tatars, preventing repairs. The row could fan tensions between Ukraine and pro-Russian fighters in the east, where a recent spike in ceasefire violations is threatening to shatter a truce after two months of relative calm. When looking further into Gomer and where Gomer actually was at the time Ezekiel wrote chapter 38 I found something very interesting. Gomer was also connected to Crimea! Strong's concordance tells us what Herodotus the ancient historian has told us – that Gomer was the progenitor of the early Cimmerians. Gomer is believed to have settled the northern shores of the Black Sea, and given name to the ancient Cimmerians and to the Crimea itself. In the seventh century B. C. they were driven out of their original seat by the Scythians, and they ended up in western Asia Minor – Western Turkey. The Scythians of course were the ancient Magogites. They were a ruthless people who lived at the time of Ezekiel north of the Black Sea into Southern Russia. So at the time of the end we are being told that Magog and Gomer will come together to form an alliance. Amazing then that Russia has taken back Crimea… GOMER - The eldest son of Japheth, and father of Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. In early times he settled to the north of the Black Sea, and gave their name to the Crimea, the ancient Chersonesus Taurica. Traces of their presence are found in the names Cimmerian Bosphorus, Cimmerian Isthmus, etc. In the seventh century B. C. they were driven out of their original seat by (Easton Bible Dictionary) the Scythians, and overran western Asia Minor,

Russia sends its advanced tanks to Syria frontline Daily Telegraph, December 4, 2015 EVENT Russia is deploying its most advanced battlefield tanks in Syria, in the latest sign that the Kremlin is being forced to escalate its intervention from an air to a ground war. A report by the Iranian Fars news agency, supported by photographs circulating on social media this week, suggest that newly delivered T-90 tanks have been sent to support the Syrian regime’s advance south of Aleppo. Two months after Moscow intervened militarily to shore up a Syrian regime that was crumbling under the pressures of war, the deployment of T 90 s seems intended to combat a flood of anti-tank missiles with which rebel forces have been able to destroy less capable tanks. Experts say the Russian intervention is prolonging a conflict that has already claimed the lives of more than a quarter of a million Syrians, causing millions to flee abroad as world powers pile in to join an escalating civil war. COMMENT Each week sees another escalation in the war in Syria. It is such a complex situation. Russia and Iran want Assad to stay. They are attacking rebels who are trying to get rid of Assad. The trouble is these rebels are supported by America and Saudi Arabia who want Assad gone. But if that wasn’t complicated enough there is ISIS wants to create its own caliphate and is attacking Assad forces to try to overthrow him. Everyone is against ISIS. But by Russia attacking the rebels who are attacking Assad is allowing ISIS to gain more territory! On top of all this there is Turkey which Russia accuses of taking oil from ISIS on the black market. The superpowers of the world have been gathered to Syria on different sides. The Bible speaks of Syria coming to an end as a nation. We are very near that point. Israel will soon become embroiled in this war… BIBLE QUOTE Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet. Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail. Hamath = Homs Arpad = Aleppo There is sorrow on the sea (peoples) ((Jeremiah 49: 23 -24)

Israel extremely nervous over Russian operations on its Golan border Debkafile, December 2, 2015 EVENT On the outside, Israel is all smiles and full of praise for way the coordination with Moscow is working for averting clashes between its air force and Russian warplanes over Syria. DEBKAfile’s military sources report that this week, the show of optimism is giving way to an uneasy sensation in the offices of the prime minister, Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon and the IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gady Eisenkott. They suspect an ulterior motive behind Russia’s military movements in southern Syria, especially its air strikes against Syrian rebels, just across from Israel’s Golan border. In particular, Moscow may be giving Hezbollah and Iran an umbrella for achieving their longstanding design to displace the Syrian rebels with Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah forces and deploy them along Israel’s Golan border. COMMENT Israel is right to be uneasy about Russian presence in Syria. Until now Israel has had total air domination over the surrounding nations. Israel’s air superiority over its enemies has been a linchpin of its defence strategy for decades. The capacity of Israeli planes to carry out attacks well within enemies’ borders has prevented Syria and Iraq from creating nuclear weapons. Last week Russia deployed the S-400 missile system which can shoot down planes and missiles and it covers Israel as well as Syria. But of greater concern right now to Israel is what Hezbollah and Iran are up to under the protection of Russia. There is a delicate situation over the Golan Heights and the status quo looks like it might be about to change. This is how Israel could be dragged into the Syrian conflict. It is not hard to imagine. But we don’t have to guess. The Bible says Israel will be greatly weakened at the time Damascus comes to an end. At some point this will take place. It is the time when Israel removes the pricking briers. BIBLE QUOTE And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 28: 24)

Putin orders Russian military to be 'extremely tough’ Daily Telegraph, December 11, 2015 EVENT Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday ordered his military to “act as toughly as possible” in defending its air group currently deployed in Syria, and to fire on anything that might threaten Russian servicemen and hardware in country. “I want to warn anyone who might again try to organise a provocation against our troops … any targets threatening the Russian air grouping or our land infrastructure should be immediately destroyed, ” Putin said. The comments come just two weeks after a Turkish F-16 fighter jet shot down a Russian Su-24 fighter-bomber after it infringed on Turkish airspace during a bombing run, and appeared to be aimed primarily at Ankara. COMMENT Putin’s aggressive words are aimed primarily at Turkey who shot down a Russian plane a few weeks ago. The war of words between Turkey and Russia continue. But of course the upping of the stakes with Turkey also increases risk of wider conflict with other nations at the same time. Putin has pretty much given his military a shoot to kill policy if threatened. The Russian air group have flown about 4, 000 sorties in 10 weeks of operations and dropped thousands of bombs. Interestingly Jane's defence consultancy released a report calculating that Russian air support for Assad has only resulted in a 0. 4 percent gain in lost territory! In Daniel 8 we read that a latter day army general similar to Antiochus Epiphanes will arise. He appears in the last days. When sin is at its height. He will be a fierce ruler. He is a master of intrigue. He will cause a shocking amount of destruction. He will succeed in everything he does. He will be a master of deception. He will become arrogant. The man who fits this detailed picture in every way is… Vladimir Putin. BIBLE QUOTE the Greek Empire will break into four kingdoms, but none as great as the first. At the end of their rule, when their sin is at its height, a fierce king, a master of intrigue, will rise to power. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause a shocking amount of destruction and (Daniel 8: 22 -23 NLT) succeed in everything he does. Daniel 8 is about the king of the north

Russian showdown with Saudi intensifies over oil Daily Telegraph, December 11, 2015 EVENT Russia is battening down the hatches for a Biblical collapse in oil revenues, warning that crude prices could stay as low as $40 a barrel for another seven years. Maxim Oreshkin, the deputy finance minister, said the country is drawing up plans based on a price band fluctuating between $40 to $60 as far out as 2022, a scenario that would have devastating implications for Opec. Russia’s $40 warning is the latest escalation in a game of strategic brinkmanship between the Kremlin and Saudi Arabia, already at daggers drawn over Syria. The Russian contingency plans convey a clear message to Riyadh and to Opec’s high command that the country can withstand very low oil prices indefinitely, thanks to a floating rouble that protects the internal budget. Whether Russia really can withstand the strain for years is an open question. The economy is in deep recession. The latest gambit may in reality be a negotiating ploy. COMMENT Behind the scenes this really is a huge news story. What’s happening is this. Saudi Arabia has been busy supporting and arming rebels who oppose Assad. Russia as we know is busy attacking these rebels because they support Assad. So Saudi and Russia are on opposite sides of the Syrian conflict. Saudi though has a weapon against Russia. OIL. Their leaders know how dependent Russia is on oil. Russia needs oil to be above $100 to break even. At $40 a barrel they cannot balance the books and need to cutback massively on spending money. So Saudi Arabia has literally flooded the world with oil. So much so they are running out of places in the world to store it! This has driven down the price of oil to levels not seen for many years. Russia is really hurting. But Russia is trying to bluff their way out by pretending they can survive on low prices for years. But they can’t. Ezekiel 38 talks about Russia and Saudi being enemies. BIBLE QUOTE Sheba, and Dedan [Saudi Arabia], and the merchants of Tarshish [UK ], with all the young lions [US /Canada] thereof, shall say unto thee [Gog/Putin], Art thou come to take a spoil? This verse describes the 2 opposing forces. The showdown between Russia and Saudi is part of (Ezekiel 38: 13) this and will lead to Russia descending into the Middle East for a sp. OIL.

Putin raises spectre of nuclear weapons in Syria International Business Times, December 10, 2015 EVENT As cruise missiles were launched toward Islamic State (Isis) positions in Syria by a Russian submarine in the Mediterranean on 8 December, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his "hope" that nuclear weapons would not be needed to fight the terrorist group. At a meeting in Moscow, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told Putin that the Rostov-on-Don submarine's 3 M-54 Kalibr missiles successfully struck targets in the IS (Daesh) stronghold of Raqqa. Putin said that the missiles can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear warheads "which, I hope, will never be needed", Russia Today reported. Shoigu also said that Tu-22 bombers flying from their base in Russia had taken part in 60 combat raids in the last three days. He said that among targets destroyed were Isis oil facilities, munitions factories and munitions depots. COMMENT This is not the first time that Putin has almost glibly mentioned the possibility of using nuclear weapons. Back in April this year Russia threatened to use “nuclear force” to defend its annexation of Crimea and warned that the “same conditions” that prompted it to take military action in Ukraine exist in the three Baltic states, all members of Nato. For the first time in the Syrian conflict Russia fired missiles from submarines in the Med hitting targets in Syria. It was these missiles that Putin pointed out could carry nuclear weapons and he hoped they wouldn’t have to be used! So will this man use nuclear weapons? It is highly possible. As we have already quoted the fierce king of Daniel 8 shall “cause a shocking amount of destruction”. There is nothing more shocking from a destruction point of view than using nuclear weapons. BIBLE QUOTE And the Lord will send a plague on all the nations that fought against Jerusalem. Their people will become like walking corpses, their flesh rotting away. Their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. It is possible this plague is the effect of nuclear weapons begin used. (Zechariah 14: 12 NLT)

Putin is reinforcing rebels, Kiev claims The Times, December 11, 2015 EVENT Russia has sent a further 20, 000 troops to bolster separatist rebels in and around east Ukraine as constant front-line skirmishes threaten to return the country to war. The government in Kiev said that there were now 70, 000 Russian or rebel fighters in the region, up from about 50, 000 in the summer. Petro Poroshenko, the president, accused the Kremlin of using its military campaign in Syria to “divert the world’s attention from on-going aggression in Ukraine. ” At the centre of the renewed hostilities is the town of Marinka, on the outskirts of Donetsk, where both sides are dug in as temperatures plummet. President Obama recently approved a lethal aid package worth $50 million for Ukraine, including mortars, grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms. COMMENT The world’s attention is focussed on Syria but all the time the tension continues to build in Eastern Europe. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe has reported a sharp spike in ceasefire violations. Vladislav Seleznev, the spokesman for Ukraine’s General Staff, said: “The probability of escalation remains significant. We have used the truce to become stronger. ’ On Friday the United States and Russia blamed each other for the continued conflict in Ukraine, with Washington accusing the Kremlin of attempting to suppress public discussion of facts about the nearly two-year-old war. The mutual accusations came during a meeting of the U. N. Security Council on Ukraine, a session that was delayed for an hour and a half after Russia insisted U. N. Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Simonovic should not brief the 15 -nation council. We can see how events in Europe are bringing the king of the south and north against each other. BIBLE QUOTE “Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will attack the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. He will enter the glorious land of Israel, (Daniel 11: 40 NLT)

Russia kills 200 civilians with air strikes on Syria Daily Telegraph, December 23, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE Shortly after 8. 30 on a Sunday morning, Russian jets took off from an air base near Syria’s Mediterranean coast. Less than 30 minutes later, they fired three missiles into a crowded market, killing 49 people. A new report by Amnesty International lays bare the scale of the suffering caused by Russia’s campaign on behalf of Bashar al. Assad’s regime in Syria. The human rights group documented the deaths of 200 civilians in 25 Russian air strikes in the space of two months. Mosques, hospitals and schools have all fallen victim to the Kremlin's warplanes, which have also used illegal cluster munitions. Amnesty suggested that Russia "may have lied to cover up civilian damage to a mosque from one air strike and a field hospital in another”. One of the bloodiest incidents took place on Nov 29 when a market in the rebel-held town of Ariha was hit. America has stopped flying manned air-support missions for rebels in northern Syria due to Russia’s expansion of air defence systems there. Earlier this month, Moscow deployed an SA-17 advanced air defence BUK system near the area and began “painting” U. S. planes, targeting them with radar in what U. S. officials said was a direct and dangerous provocation. The Pentagon has halted all manned flights. With U. S. planes out of the way, Russia has stepped up its own airstrikes along the Turkey-Syria border, and the Obama administration has accused it of targeting the rebel groups the U. S. was supporting, not the Islamic State. But with the increased Russian bombing has come even more civilian casualties. The only answer nations have for the world’s issues is for even more conflict, more destruction, more death. Russia is getting ever more involved in Syria. We can see how America and Russia could come into conflict in Syria – the king of the south will push at the king of the north. Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will attack the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. 41 He will enter the glorious land of Israel (Daniel 11: 40 NLT)

Russia, Armenia unite air defences in the Caucasus RT, December 23, 2015 EVENT COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE Russia and Armenia have signed a collective security deal on a united regional air defence system in the Caucasus. Moscow is currently working on a similar system with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The air defence agreement between Russia and Armenia has been signed by the heads of defence of the two countries, Sergey Shoigu and Seyran Ohanyan. In 2013 Moscow signed a deal on a joint regional air defence system with Kazakhstan. Russian and Belarusian systems have already been unified. At the same time, Russia has handed over an S-300 air defence system to Kazakhstan. According to Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu, “this is a great - if not the key - contribution to the unified air defence system that has already been put in place. ” Currently Armenia hosts a Russian military base equipped with S-300 air defence complexes and Mi. G-29 interceptor fighter jets. Armenia is strategically very important. Armenia is a nation, and was part of the former Soviet republic, in the mountainous Caucasus region straddling Asia and Europe. When Russia descends with it millions of troops into the Middle East it must come through the Caucasus region. Having such a close ally next to the region is of vital importance to Russia. Hence this united regional defence air defence system. Armenia is also interesting from a Biblical point of view. Togarmah that we have identified as eastern Turkey also stretched at the time of Ezekiel into Armenia itself. Strong's says the Togarmah was probably Armenian. We therefore are watching Gog prepare all the nations that will eventually invade Israel with it at the time of the end. The preparation is surely coming to an end – the conflict may soon begin… the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. (Ezekiel 38: 6 -7)