Palestinian Leader Turns to Putin for Palestinian State

1. Russia 2014

2. After many days thou [Gog / Russian leader / Putin] 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 nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them. Palestinian leader turns to Putin for Palestinian state Debkafile, January 24, 2014 Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas launched his “diplomatic intifada” against Israel Thursday, January 23, on his visit to Moscow. His meetings with President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev marked his breakaway from the US-led peace process with Israel, four months before it was due to expire, and signaled his bid for Russian backing for a Palestinian state. The Palestinian leader’s defection caught both Secretary of State John Kerry and Prime Minister Binyamin unprepared – and surprised their intelligence agencies. Putin and Abbas almost certainly planned in advance to drop their bombshell on the day both Kerry and Netanyahu were otherwise engaged at two international events in Switzerland, Geneva 2 on Syria and the World Economic Forum. For Putin it was a chance to show the international community that he was several steps ahead of the game on the three hottest Middle East issues – Iran’s nuclear program, the Syrian civil conflict and the Palestinian bid for statehood. EVENT The Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas flew into Moscow this week on a four day visit. During the visit he met the Russian President, Prime minister and Russian religious leaders. He was seeking Russian involvement in the peace process. As the American nine month peace process nears as end, Abbas is seeking help from Russia to advance his cause of a Palestinian State. Russia, with its new Middle East influence is only to happy to oblige. Amazingly the Bible foretold these exact circumstances. In Ezekiel 38 we read that Gog (the Russian leader at the time of the end eg Putin) will be VISITED! The original word “visited” means to be “sought after”. Abbas VISITED Russia this week and sought their help in removing Israel from the land… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 13:1,10-11)

3. thou [Gog / Russian leader] 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, and to take a prey; Russia preparing to develop Gaza gas field AFP, January 23, 2014 In a significant political and economic development, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Jan. 23 with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting came as a prerequisite to officially sign an investment agreement aiming to develop the Gaza offshore gas field in the Mediterranean Sea. It is only logical to assume that this step will raise the ire of Israel. The latter does not appreciate the role Russia plays in the region, especially since Israel has never come to an agreement with Russia. AFP reported that there were talks of investing $1 billion to develop the Palestinian gas field. Clearly taken aback by the news coming in fast from Moscow, Israeli official sources said Thursday night they could not understand how the Russians and Palestinians came to an agreement on Mediterranean waters off the shores of Gaza, when the rights were already owned by British Gas. EVENT Now this really is amazing…. On the visit to Russia this week Abbas discussed with Russia a deal concerning gas fields that lie off the Gaza Strip! Russian natural gas company Gazprom is planning to produce 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas at the site, according to Russian news agency ITAR-TASS. The Russian engineering firm Technopromexport was also considering an oil development project in Ramallah in the West Bank, according to the same report. There are two massively significant things here. Firstly the Palestinian Authority is not a state so is not empowered to establish Special Economic Zones in the Med. Russia appears to not be concerned with this and is treating the PA as a state. Secondly Russia is considering stepping into the West Bank and developing oil there. Ezekiel 38 speaks of Russia coming down to Israel to take a spoil. The oil and gas finds are pulling Russia down – they cannot resist…. COMMENT he BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:10-12)

4. 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,[h] and many nations will fall Unrest erupts across west of Ukraine Daily Telegraph, January 23, 2014 EVENT Thick black smoke from burning tires engulfed parts of downtown Kiev as an ultimatum issued by the opposition to the president to call early elections or face street rage was set to expire with no sign of a compromise on Thursday. They demanded that Yanukovych dismiss the government, call early elections and scrap harsh anti-protest legislation that triggered the violence. The largely peaceful protest against Yanukovych's decision to shun the EU and turn toward Moscow in November descended into violence Sunday when demonstrators, angered by the passage of repressive laws intended to stifle the protest, marched on official buildings. For days protesters hurled fire bombs and stones at police, which retaliated with stun grenades, tear gas and rubber bullets. The Wednesday deaths of two protesters — the first fatalities in more than two months of protests — fueled fears of more violence. We are very interested in the Ukraine. Why? Because we are told in Ezekiel 38 that Gog is of the land of Magog, chief ruler of Meshech and Tubal. Magog according to ancient historian Josephus was where the Scythians lived. Maps show that the Scythians lived in Southern Russia and Ukraine. See map above. Instead of Scythia read Magog. You can see that Scythia covered mainly southern Russia but also extended to cover much of Ukraine. The violence in the Ukraine is due to half the country wanting to come under Russian influence and half wanting to come under Europe’s influence. Russia is winning this tug of war by doing gas deals and putting massive pressure on the Ukraine government. Russia sees Ukraine as its satellite nation. In fact is main military port on the Black Sea is actually in the Ukraine at Sevastopol. We know Russia will come with many ships – they are based in Magog! COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:41 NLT)

5. Damascus has become feeble, and all her people turn to flee. Fear, anguish, and pain have gripped her as they grip a woman in labor. 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 US presses Russia on Syria weapons BBConline, February 1, 2014 EVENT US Secretary of State John Kerry has asked Russia to press its ally Syria into speeding up the removal of chemical weapons. The US says only about 4% of chemical weapons declared by the Syrian government have so far been removed. Mr Kerry raised the issue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, officials said. Syria's chemical weapons are due to be removed and destroyed by 30 June. Under the terms of the UN-backed plan, Syrian authorities are responsible for packing and safely transporting the chemical weapons to the Mediterranean port of Latakia. "Secretary Kerry pressed Foreign Minister Lavrov to push the regime for more progress on moving the remaining chemical weapons within Syria to the port in Latakia," the US State Department official said. Washington considered progress so far to be "unacceptable", the official added. So peace talks have failed. The violence continues and will almost certainly escalate. Only 4% of Syria’s chemical weapons have been removed. Earlier this week, the US ambassador to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Robert Mikulak, said "the effort to remove chemical agent and key precursor chemicals from Syria has seriously languished and stalled". Everything has stalled. The peace agreement, the chemical weapons agreement and the cooperation between America and Russia. America once more is starting to “push” Russia into pushing the Syrian regime. Once more Russia will refuse to budge. The burden of Damascus and Syria will NOT end peacefully and with resolution. The Bible could not be clearer. It will end with the complete destruction of Damascus and the ending of Syria as a nation. We don’t know when …but it will happen… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Jeremiah 49:24-26 NLT)

6. 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. Russia criticises West for supporting Ukraine protests Daily Telegraph, February 1, 2014 The Russian foreign minister has strongly criticised the West for backing Ukraine's protesters, accusing European and American leaders of inciting "increasingly violent" protests. Sergei Lavrov said that Western support was causing an escalation in the demonstrations, which first started two months ago when President Victor Yanukovych failed to sign an agreement to deepen ties with the European Union – preferring to forge stronger links with Russia. Why is no one condemning those who seize administration buildings, attack policemen and chant racist and anti-Semitic slogans?" said Mr Lavrov. "How would the European Union react if the Russian government openly supported street riots in London, Paris or Hamburg, and sent its ministers to these cities to encourage the protesters?" he asked. Describing the situation in Ukraine as raising "fundamental questions" about EU-Russia relations, he said that in this case "a choice is being imposed." EVENT COMMENT The Ukraine is being torn in two. The majority of the population want to move away from Russian influence and come under Europe’s influence. But Russia is not about to let the Ukraine do this. This is a tug of war between East and West. Between Russia and Europe / America. US Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States and European Union "stand with the people of Ukraine”. "Nowhere is the fight for a democratic, European future more important today than in Ukraine," Kerry told political, diplomatic and military leaders at a Munich conference.” The United States and EU stand with the people of Ukraine in that fight.” So we see how yet another uprising and revolution is bringing Russia and America into potential conflict… BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40)

7. 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 Russia Opposes a Humanitarian Resolution on Syria Associated Press, February 5, 2014 EVENT Russia said Wednesday it opposes a new U.N. Security Council resolution on the humanitarian plight in Syria, an announcement that is likely to torpedo a Western and Arab-backed draft that would pressure the government and opposition to allow desperately needed aid into the country. Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told a press briefing that "hard, pragmatic and purposeful work is necessary" to resolve specific humanitarian issues — not a council resolution which will almost certainly aim "to politicize the problem.” Council diplomats said they expect to circulate a draft humanitarian resolution this week, following the failure of peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition to achieve any concrete results, especially on possible humanitarian aid convoys to besieged parts of the city of Homs. "We are against moving to a resolution now in the Security Council," Churkin told reporters. Russia and China support the Syrian government. They have vetoed three previous Western-backed resolutions that would have pressured President Bashar Assad to end the violence. They cannot even approve immediate access to all areas of the country to deliver aid to millions of civilians. Russia’s support of Syria is interesting. As mentioned many times before Syria is home to the ancient king of the north mentioned in Daniel 11. We read “at the time of the end” the king of the north will invade Israel. If we didn't’ have Ezekiel 38 we would have surely concluded that the latter day king of the north was Syria. However we find out in Ezekiel 38 that the new king of the north is Gog – the Russian leader. So what has happened to Syria? The answer is simple. Syria is removed from being a nation. Russia becomes the greater and more powerful king of the north at the time of the end COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40 – 41 NLT)

8. In your vision Your Majesty, you saw standing before you a huge, shining statue of a man. It was a frightening sight. The head of the statue was made of fine gold. Its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs were bronze, its legs were iron, and its feet were a combination of iron and baked clay Putin's allies turn out in force as western leaders stay away Daily Telegraph, February 7, 2014 Western leaders - including Barack Obama, David Cameron and Angela Merkel - may have stayed away from Sochi in protest at Russia's anti-gay laws, but 55 world leaders attended Friday night's long and lavish opening ceremony. International big hitters including Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, Recip Tayipp Erdogan of Turkey, and Japan's Shinzo Abe, were among those watching the three-hour spectacular hosted by Vladimir Putin. The Russian authorities claimed it was a record number of heads of government and state to attend a winter Olympics. The £31 billion games - the most expensive winter or summer Games ever staged - have been regarded as a test of the Russian president's leadership as much as modern Russia's ability to stage a major sporting event. Mr Putin's near neighbours from the former Soviet states of Central Asia, were all in attendance. EVENT COMMENT Many people call these the Putin Games. Putin has personally backed these games and thrown his immense authority behind them. They are intended to showcase the power of Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Instead they highlight its problems: organized crime, state corruption, and the terrorist threat within its borders. It is interesting that practically no Western leaders have gone to the games. But Russia’s allies have – all of them. It really does show the East West divide. We may wonder where this division comes from. It is actually there in the Bible. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a man made of metals details out in symbolic terms the history of the empires of the world that affect Israel. The iron legs represent the division of Rome into Eastern Empire and Western Empire. That division remains to this day. BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 2:31-32)

9. And I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty. The 3 evil spirits (teachings) are liberty, equality, fraternity China and Russia help global defence spending rise for first time in five years Daily Telegraph, February 3, 2014 Soaring defence budgets in China and Russia mean global military spending is growing for the first time in five years, according to new forecasts. Spending across Asia and the Middle East is surging even as the military powers of Europe and the US are forced to scale back dramatically in the face of austerity cuts - contributing to a steady change in the balance of military power. The figures were disclosed as the secretary general of Nato issued a stark warning that the West will cede influence on the world stage because of its falling spending. Anders Fogh Rasmussen said he was concerned about falling funding in Washington and European capitals while there was a military spending spree in Russia and China. He told BBC Newsnight: “When governments are forced to cut deficits and make deep cuts it’s difficult to argue defence should be exempted. EVENT The East is growing strong militarily and the West is growing weaker. It is changing the balance of power. In Revelation 16 we read of a dragon, beast and false prophet. The dragon represents the Eastern Empire of Rome – pagan and militaristic. When Constantinople fell (capital of the East) it was said the Moscow became the new capital of the East. The beast represents the West – what we would now call Europe. And the false prophet is the Papacy. Interestingly Revelation 16 begins by symbolically talking about the French Revolution. Liberty, Equality Fraternity. The beast (Europe - the West) cries liberty- freedom to do what you want. The dragon (Russia the East) cries Equality – all men are equal. The false prophet (Papacy) cries Fraternity – brotherhood. But all are lies. Humanism (liberty) leads to slavery to sin. Communism leads to dictators. Catholicism leads to persecution of the saints. All this leads to Armageddon… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Revelation 16:13-14)

10. “Son of man, turn and face Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: Gog, I am your enemy! Putin says Ukraine is a “krai”—purposely avoiding the Russian word for country, strana. The Russian word “krai” means “land”. This is how the Bible describes Magog in Ezekiel 38. War of words between Obama and Putin over Ukraine ABC News, February 20, 2014 A war of words between President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin over the violence exploding on the streets of Kiev, Ukraine, this week shows the global tug-of-war between East and West erupting in the former member of the old Soviet Union. The tensions between protesters and government security forces became deadly overnight in Independence Square, where Ukrainians have gathered for months to protest President Viktor Yanukovich's decision to back out of a deal with the European Union and instead join an economic group led by Russia. Protesters felt the EU deal would have been a significant step forward in building relationships with Western nations, but that Yanukovich was pressured by Putin to spurn the West and continue its close relationship with Russia. Statements by Obama and Putin this week show how each country is trying to blame the other for meddling in Ukraine. EVENT The Ukraine has the world’s 3rd largest stockpile of nuclear weapons. The reason this country (the largest in Europe) has so many of these weapons is that it was once part of the USSR. It also has a huge army of 780,000 men. But the Ukraine that sits between Russia and Europe has in recent years looked increasingly towards the West. There is an on-going political battle within Ukraine as to who runs the country – pro Russia or Pro Europe presidents. Currently it is a pro Russian president. The last pro Western president was poisoned with a potent dioxin – almost certainly Russia was behind this. It shows the lengths Russia will go to to keep Ukraine under its control. The Ukraine is part of the ancient land of Magog. Putin (latter day Gog) is of the land of Magog. He will keep control of Ukraine. The tug of war will lead to Russia getting angry. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:2-3 NLT)

11. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am your enemy, O Gog, ruler of the nations of Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you around and drive you toward the mountains of Israel, bringing you from the distant north. …And I will rain down fire on Magog and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts. Magog will be destroyed Financial crisis threatens Russia as Ukraine spins out of control Daily Telegraph, February 20, 2014 The dramatic escalation of Ukraine’s civil conflict and fears of Russian military intervention have sent financial tremors across Eastern Europe, turning the region into the new fulcrum of the emerging market crisis. “This has suddenly gone from a domestic Ukrainian story into a geopolitical clash,” said Lars Christensen, from Danske Bank. The Russian ruble has fallen to a record low against the euro, with contagion reaching Poland, Hungary and Romania in recent days. “The moves in Russia are very like the events during the war in Georgia in 2008. Markets are pricing in the risk of Russian intervention,” he said. Any deployment of Russian troops to stiffen the Ukrainian government could spiral out of control, leading to an East-West stand-off not seen since the Cold War. It might even been seen as replay of Russian intervention in Hungary in 1956 to prevent the country slipping out of the Soviet Union. EVENT We may actually see Russian intervention in Ukraine if push comes to shove. Russia has too much to lose if the Ukraine turns to the West. On Wednesday Obama said that the Ukraine is not part of “some Cold War chessboard”. However Putin does see it that way. To Putin the Ukraine is a very valuable piece on his board. The port city of Sevastopol in the Ukraine continues to be the home of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Many of Russia's gas pipelines run through Ukraine to Europe. Kiev the capital of the Ukraine is the centre of Orthodox Christianity, Russia’s national religion. Also Putin’s pet project is to create a Eurasian Union. The idea is based on the European Union. An economic union of ex Soviet states (including the Ukraine) to be a power bloc to compete with the EU. So for Putin there is a lot at stake with the Ukraine. The Bible is clear…. Magog (which Ukraine forms part) will be controlled by Gog when he invades. COMMENT he BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 39: 1,2,6 NLT)

12. He [the king of the north / Russia] 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. Putin backs Egypt Sisi's 'run' for Egyptian presidency Daily Telegraph, February 13, 2014 EVENT Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has made a startling intervention in Egypt’s political turmoil by backing its defence minister for the presidency, before an election has even been declared. Whether the minister, the newly promoted Field Marshal Abdulfattah el-Sisi, will stand for president in elections scheduled for later this year is the biggest talking point in Egyptian politics, with elements of a personality cult already forming around him. His aides have consistently denied reports that he has already made a decision, but Mr Putin chose to ignore that while welcoming him on a visit to Moscow. “I know that you have made a decision to run for president,” Mr Putin said. “That’s a very responsible decision: to undertake such a mission for the fate of the Egyptian people. On my own part, and on behalf of the Russian people, I wish you success.” COMMENT The political turmoil in Egypt continues and now Putin has got involved. It is very unusual for a candidate to be so publicly backed by a foreign country, particularly when he has not even announced his candidature! 40 years ago the Egyptian president Anwar Sadat ended military cooperation with Russia and lined up with America. Egypt’s close ties to America have lasted ever since. That is until recently. Egypt is looking to Russia as Egypt has lost trust in America. Russia is keen to take advantage of America’s unpopularity. Russia and Egypt are about to do a $2bn arms deal it is reported. The Bible tells us that Russia is interested in Egypt. In Daniel 11 we read that the king of the north (Russia) comes down through Israel into Egypt. In fact we read that when he gets into Egypt he completely takes over and controls the whole wealth of the country. But it is an invasion. Russia conquers Egypt. So although Russia appears friendly to Egypt, Putin’s true future intentions are to rule over it and subdue it… BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:42 – 43 NLT)

13. Son of man, set thy face against Gog, of the land of Magog We are told in Ezekiel 38 that Gog is of the land of Magog. Magog we are told by ancient historians were called the Scythians by the Greeks. The map shows the territory of Scythia. You can see it mainly covers southern Russia. On the left we have superimposed modern Ukraine. You will notice that the eastern half of Ukraine was part of ancient Scythia (Magog)….. Map of the Scythian Kingdom “Magog founded those that from him were called Magogites, but who by the Greeks called Scythians” Josephus: Antiquities (Ezekiel 38:2-3 RSV) BIBLE QUOTE

14. Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog - The land of Magog (as we showed on the first slide) encompassed Southern Russia but also the Eastern half of the Ukraine. It cannot be coincidence that Gog (Putin) at this time is wrestling away the last piece of the precise territory that was controlled by ancient Gog (the leader of the Magogites). Ukraine: Russia accused of ‘armed invasion’ Daily Telegraph, February 28, 2014 Russian troops and armour backed by gunmen in unmarked uniforms fanned out across Crimea yesterday morning, seizing two airports and other key installations in an apparent bid to assert Moscow's dominance over the region. Despite "grave" warnings from America not to intervene, soldiers and unidentified armed men deployed on Crimea's main roads, and occupied key positions within ports and the region's main television station. Although no shots were fired and there were no reported injuries, Arsen Avakov, the new Ukrainian interior minister, said the sudden and unannounced Russian deployment amounted to a "military invasion and occupation" of his country's territory. EVENT he COMMENT In last week’s WWW we wrote…”We may actually see Russian intervention in Ukraine if push comes to shove.” Within one week the intervention has come. Thirteen giant air transports flew into the Crimea Friday night, Feb. 28, and landed some 2,000 Russian troops at a military airfield near Sebastopol. Russian troops have taken over the two main airports in Crimea. Another group seized the region’s key points - bridges, road hubs and power stations. So what is going on? Ukraine is being torn in two. There is a tug of war. In broad terms western Ukraine is pro Europe. Eastern Ukraine is pro Russia. A few months ago the pro Russian president rejected an EU deal to do trade and instead went with a Russian trade deal. This caused the riots and deaths we saw on the streets last week. This led to the pro Russian Ukrainian leader going into exile. He turned up in Russia. Putin however does not want to lose control of Crimea (part of Ukraine) because this is his access to the Middle East from the Russian controlled military naval base of Sevastopol. War over Ukraine’s future could be on the cards… BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:2)

15. Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will push and attack the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. Events in Ukraine may well be part of the king of the south “push” or “attack” against the king of the north. Russia war games over Ukraine prompt US warning Associated Press, February 26, 2014 EVENT Russia ordered 150,000 troops to test their combat readiness Wednesday in a show of force that prompted a blunt warning from the United States that any military intervention in Ukraine would be a "grave mistake.” Putin's announcement of huge new war games came as across Ukraine, the divided allegiances between Russia and the West were on full display. Amid the tensions, Putin put the military on alert for massive exercises involving most of the military units in western Russia, and announced measures to tighten security at the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet on Ukraine's Crimea peninsula. The maneuvers will involve some 150,000 troops, 880 tanks, 90 aircraft and 80 navy ships, and are intended to "check the troops' readiness for action in crisis situations that threaten the nation's military security," Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in remarks carried by Russian press. It’s amazing how fast events are happening. Within days we have a full blown Cold War situation with America warning Russia and Russia warning America. At an unscheduled press conference president Obama warned Russia there would be "costs" for any military intervention. Mr Obama said he was deeply concerned by reports of Russian military movements. But will Putin listen to these mild threats? It’s unlikely. In fact we see here a similar situation in Ezekiel 38 when Russia invades the Middle East. Britain and America (Tarshish and young lion) asking why Russia is doing such a thing. The two war weary powers do not want to physically confront the Russian bear. Russia is very much like a bear. Docile until provoked. When pushed too far the bear responds with fierce anger and nothing stands in its way. Nothing provokes a bear more than when her cubs are threatened. Crimea is one of Russia’s cubs… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40 NLT)

16. And at the time of the end the king of the South shall push at and attack him, and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries and shall overflow and pass through. Events in Syria nearly led to confrontation between America and Russia. Events in Ukraine may also lead to verse 40 of Daniel 11 being fulfilled…. Ukraine pleads for Britain & US to come to its rescue Daily Telegraph, February 28, 2014 Deeply worried politicians inside Ukraine's parliament have pleaded with Britain and the United States to come to their rescue, after Russia was accused of launching a series of raids in the Crimea region. The two Western powers signed an agreement with Ukraine in 1994, which Kiev's parliament wants enforcing now. The Budapest Memorandum, signed by Bill Clinton, John Major, Boris Yeltsin and Leonid Kuchma – the then-rulers of the USA, UK, Russia and Ukraine – promises to uphold the territorial integrity of Ukraine, in return for Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons. Article one reads: "The United States of America, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine ... to respect the Independence and Sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine.” And Kiev is now claiming that their country's borders are not being respected. EVENT COMMENT This forgotten treaty signed in 1994 between Russia, America and Britain could drag the US and UK into WAR with Russia if Putin's troops intervene in Ukraine. That was the headline in a newspaper in the UK this week. The agreement states that the three countries will refrain from the threat or use of force against Ukraine. This agreement came about as a way of persuading Ukraine to give up its vast nuclear arsenal to Russia for dismantling. Ukraine was part of the USSR so ended up with the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world. It would only surrender these weapons if it felt protected. America and Britain in effect promised to protect Ukraine from aggression. This is why Ukraine this week asked these two countries to help. The king of the south is being asked to step in and push back the king of the north. They may be forced to do so… BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40 AMP)

17. His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. The legs represent the Eastern and Western halves of the Roman Empire. Although all elements are destroyed this does not indicate a uniting of powers. World scrambles as Russia tightens grip on Crimea Associated Press, March 2, 2014 Warning that it was "on the brink of disaster," Ukraine put its military on high alert Sunday and appealed for international help to avoid what it feared was the possibility of a wider invasion by Russia. Outrage over Russia's military moves mounted in world capitals, with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry calling on President Vladimir Putin to pull back from "an incredible act of aggression.” A day after Russia captured the Crimean Peninsula without firing a shot, fears grew in the Ukrainian capital and beyond that Russia might seek to expand its control by seizing other parts of eastern Ukraine. Senior Obama administration officials said the U.S. now believes that Russia has complete operational control of Crimea, a pro-Russian area of the country, and has more than 6,000 troops in the region. EVENT This crisis has the potential to lead to war. Putin has defied calls from the West to pull back his troops. He is insistent that Russia has a right to protect its interests and those of Russian-speakers in Crimea and elsewhere in Ukraine. Russia has long wanted to reclaim the lush Crimean Peninsula, part of its territory until 1954. Russia's Black Sea Fleet pays Ukraine millions annually to be stationed at the Crimean port of Sevastopol and nearly 60 percent of Crimea's residents identify themselves as Russian. Ukraine is in effect a country divided down the middle. The Western half are pro Europe. The Eastern half pro Russia. In effect we are looking at the division in the legs of Nebuchadnezzar’s image. Some expect Russia to control Europe. But this is not what the Bible says. The legs remain divided. They never join together. Ezekiel 38 war does not involve Europe. It is Russia, Iran, Sudan, Libya & Turkey. The European beast and Catholic war comes later when Christ has returned and is established in Jerusalem he COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 2:33-34)

18. And in the latter time …., a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft [deceit] to prosper Putin mocks the West and threatens to turn off gas Daily Telegraph, March 7, 2014 Putin and Antiochus Epiphanes Daniel 8 horn power and king of the north EVENT Vladimir Putin has mocked diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine crisis as Russia threatened to disrupt European gas supplies by cutting off sales to Kiev over its unpaid debts. The Russian president said through his official spokesman that, despite deep disagreements with the West, he did not want a confrontation over Ukraine to spiral into a “new cold war”. Nevertheless Dmitry Peskov ridiculed Western demands for direct talks between the Kremlin and the new Kiev government, claiming that the loss of credibility involved “puts a smile on our face”. Earlier, Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy giant, said it would start to reduce deliveries to Kiev, a move that would disrupt supplies to Europe. Gazprom said Ukraine had failed to make payments on its £1.2 billion debts. Energy experts said Russia had the power to cause problems in markets across Europe, even though peak winter demand was past. It is amazing how deceitful Russia is being over events in Crimea. It flatly refuses to acknowledge that its soldiers have taken over the region. They say this because the troops are not wearing Russian insignia. However they are driving military vehicles owned by the Russia military and clearly following Russian orders. This week Russia deliberately sank three old war ships to block the harbour entrance to stop Ukraine navy ships leaving the port in Crimea. Russia is backing a referendum next week in Crimea on joining the Russian Federation. This could spark conflict. We read in Daniel 8 of a king of fierce countenance standing up in the “latter time”. He brings destruction and ultimately attacks the Holy people (the Jews). Through his policy he causes deceit to prosper. This man is a latter day Antiochus Epiphanes. The original king of the north. In fact Putin even looks like this ancient king. Putin fulfils these words COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 8:23-24)

19. 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, Putin has transformed Russian army into a lean, mean fighting machine Washington Times, March 6, 2014 President Vladimir Putin has turned a once-moribund Russian military into a lean, quick-strike force that can invade Chechnya, Georgia and now Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. Under Mr. Putin, Russia has developed the world’s third-largest defence budget, at $70 billion. The underpaid army of post-Cold War conscripts has given way to special operations troops and experienced guns for hire, some of whom showed up in Crimea in not readily identifiable uniforms. Overall, headquarters have been consolidated and soldiers fight out of brigades, not large divisions. Mr. Putin, who has lamented the end of the Soviet empire, is using Russia’s energy riches to buy military technology overseas such as communications networks and drones. Germany, its eastern half once ruled by Stalinist countrymen, built for Russia a sophisticated training centre for infantry units that can simulate an array of war scenarios, such as invading a neighbour. EVENT COMMENT Russia is now an immense fighting machine. America is the world’s policeman and because of this is thinly stretched. Russia, however, has no real military commitments around the world and therefore when it does invade the Middle East it will be able to do so with ease. The other advantage Russia has from a military point of view is that it is not a democracy. Putin calls the shots. He is not answerable to the people. He controls the politics and makes the decisions. This means he can react (as in Ukraine) very quickly and catch the West off guard. Ezekiel 38 speaks of Gog (Putin) preparing his forces. God says “be prepared and prepare for yourself and all your armed forces.” It is clear Putin has indeed been preparing. He has setup rapid strike forces that can move quickly and decisively. The stage is being set for Russia to come down… BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:15)

20. Son of man, set thy face against Gog, 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: Gog is the ruler of the Russian people - Putin Russia and the West fail in last minute Ukraine talks Daily Telegraph, March 14, 2014 Russia and the West were on a collision course on Friday night after the failure of an 11th-hour attempt to settle the confrontation over Ukraine. John Kerry, the US secretary of state, gave warning that Moscow will now suffer “consequences” when six hours of talks with his Russian counterpart broke up without agreement. After this meeting at the US ambassador’s residence in London, Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, described the Ukrainian region of Crimea as being “immeasurably more important for Russia than the Falklands for the United Kingdom”. The failure of the talks means that a referendum on Crimea joining Russia will proceed on Sunday. European Union foreign ministers are then expected to meet on Monday and impose travel bans and asset freezes on between 120 and 130 powerful Russians linked to the Kremlin. EVENT he Russia and the West are indeed on a collision course. Or more accurately Russia and America. Russia believes America stirred up the trouble in Ukraine and removed the pro Russian leader. This is why Russia has stepped in. It will not allow a country that it sees firmly in its orbit passing under European / US control. Like a bear deprived of her cubs Russia is rearing up and will go to ANY lengths to protect her interests. Russia said this week they don’t want war. But generally Russia says the opposite to the truth. All the signs are that Russia is gearing up for war. So what does the Bible say about this? We have shown that Magog included the territory of eastern Ukraine as well as southern Russia. The Bible says Gog (Russian ruler) is of the land of Magog. We are watching Russia begin take over Eastern Ukraine and therefore Gog will control the whole territory of ancient Magog . All this may be the spark to ignite world war… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:2-3)

21. 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. The time of the end cannot be 100 years ago – .the push could happen anytime….soon… Russia 'to face consequences' says US BBConline, March 14, 2014 US Secretary of State John Kerry has said the US is "deeply concerned" about the "large deployment" of Russian forces along the eastern border of Ukraine and in Crimea. Speaking at a news conference following talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, Mr Kerry warned that Russia will face consequences if it doesn't "change course" over the rising tensions in Ukraine. In other developments: the UN Security Council is to vote on Saturday on a US-drafted resolution that defines Crimea's referendum as illegal. U S Vice-President Joe Biden will travel to Poland and Lithuania early next week to discuss ways to support Ukraine's sovereignty. The Pentagon says it will keep its aircraft carrier battle group in the Mediterranean Sea longer than planned because of the Ukraine crisis. Russia has moved a column of army trucks and a number of artillery pieces into northern Crimea. EVENT Russia is believed to have deployed about 80,000 troops near Ukraine’s eastern frontier. The foreign ministry in Moscow raised fears on Friday of a full-scale invasion of eastern Ukraine by reserving Russia’s “right” to intervene to protect its citizens. Back in 1994 Russia, America and Britain signed an agreement to ensure Ukraine’s borders were protected and not violated. This was to provide security guarantees for Ukraine to give up its stockpile of nuclear weapons. Ukraine did give up the weapons and is now calling on Britain and America to keep their side of the bargain. America not only has this agreement to think about it is also concerned about how this will impact around the world. The US is trying to give Iran border guarantees if it does not proceed to get a nuclear weapon. The guarantee would be worthless in the light of events in Ukraine. There is great pressure on America to PUSH back at Russia. They will…. he COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40)

22. 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: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD. Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: Russia Warns It Is Ready To Place Eastern Ukraine 'Under Its Protection' Reuters, March 14, 2014 Russia said on Friday it reserved the right to protect compatriots in eastern Ukraine after clashes in the city of Donetsk in which one person was killed. The Foreign Ministry said Thursday’s violence in the industrial city, where many people speak Russian, showed the Ukrainian authorities had lost control. Ukraine's acting president warned the country must be ready for a full-scale Russian invasion "at any moment" on Thursday as officials announced the emergency call-up of a 60,000-strong national guard force. Oleksander Turchynov, the acting president in Kiev, declared Moscow was "ready" to go much further than the annexation of the Black Sea territory of Crimea, which is expected to vote to secede from Ukraine in a referendum on Sunday. With tensions mounting across the region, Moscow also sent three fighter jets to Belarus at the request of its government. EVENT COMMENT So can we piece together events from here? Well with Bible in hand here is what may happen. There are lots of strands coming together. We could see America “push” Russia over Ukraine. This maybe some sort of military provocation. This would fulfill Daniel 11:40. This then sets the scene for Russia to descend against the king of the south into Israel. We also need to see Isaiah 17 fulfilled with conflict between Israel and Syria. This could come at anytime. We are also reaching the deadline for Israel to divide the land with the Palestinians. It is possible we see some deal endorsed by Israel’s government that agrees to divide the land. It is hard to know the exact order but each situation is reaching its climax and events could happen fast. Ultimately this will all lead to Russia, (with Turkey, Iran, Sudan etc) descending into Israel and beyond … BIBLE QUOTE (Joel 3:9-12)

23. 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 “I will turn thee back” literally means “I will return you” or “I will restore you”. Russia risks new Cold War, West warns Daily Telegraph, March 17, 2014 EVENT Vladimir Putin has delivered a swift and uncompromising blow to the imposition of US and EU sanctions by signing a decree recognising Crimea as an independent state, paving the way for him to acknowledge a request from the breakaway region to join the Russian Federation. Ignoring Western threats of a new Cold War and a “far-reaching” economic blockade, the Russian president will on Tuesday address both houses of the Russian parliament on the crisis, and is expected to welcome Crimea into the fold. The formal process of absorbing the peninsula could be completed within weeks. The Kremlin announced that Mr Putin had signed a decree recognising Crimea as an independent state, after it voted overwhelmingly on Sunday to leave Ukraine and join Russia. The US and the European Union responded by issuing targeted sanctions against several key players in the escalating crisis. Events have moved amazingly quickly. Just a few weeks ago Crimea was part of Ukraine. In less than two weeks Russia has moved in and annexed the region and brought it under the Russian Federation. Mr Putin has seen his personal approval ratings soar to a three-year high after his decision to send troops to Crimea. Crimea was invaded by Russia in the 1870s and then handed to Ukraine in 1954. It remained with Ukraine after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. But Putin has said that the greatest geopolitical catastrophe was the collapse of the USSR. He has now begun the process of rebuilding that empire. The Russian juggernaut is on the move. Almost all commentators say that we are returning to a new Cold War. In Ezekiel 38 we read of Gog being “turned back”. This literally means “to be returned”. Putin himself (Gog) was returned to power and is now turning the whole of Russia back to Cold War days…. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:3-4)

24. the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold— The stone = Christ returning. The metals of the image = different world empires. The fact the stone grinds all worldly kingdoms to powder does NOT mean all the metals are united as one at the end. They remain divided. Crimea Goes East, Ukraine Goes West Associated Press, March 21, 2014 Two almost simultaneous signatures Friday on opposite sides of Europe deepened the divide between East and West, as Russia formally annexed Crimea and the European Union pulled Ukraine closer into its orbit. In this "new post-Cold War order," as the Ukrainian prime minister called it, besieged Ukrainian troops on the Crimean Peninsula faced a critical choice: leave, join the Russian military or demobilize. Ukraine was working on evacuating its outnumbered troops in Crimea, but some said they were still awaiting orders. With fears running high of clashes between the two sides or a grab by Moscow for more of Ukraine, the chief of the U.N. came to the capital city Kiev and urged calm all around. All eyes were on President Vladimir Putin, as they have been ever since pro-Western protests drove out Ukraine's president a month ago, angering Russia and plunging Europe into its worst crisis in a generation. EVENT he On Friday Ukraine signed a treaty with Europe while at the same time Putin signed to bring Crimea into Russia. Both sides are antagonising the other with no solution to this crisis even on the distant horizon. Europe said this week that they will bring forward a target date to finalise political talks with Moldova and Georgia. This will anger Russia. The division of Russia and Europe is made clear in the Bible. It begins with the 2 legs of Daniel’s image representing East and West. It is further detailed in Daniel 7 and 8. Daniel 7 tracks the West and the power of Rome. Daniel 8 tracks the East and the latter day power of Russia. Daniel 11 from verse 40 shows the conflict between East and West through the latter day powers of king of the north and king of the south. There are two distinct wars at the end. Ezekiel 38 is a war led by Russia (East). This war is about power and spoil. Then there is a religious war (Revelation 17) led by Europe / Rome. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 2:45)

25. 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. 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: Nato chief: Crimea invasion could be just the beginning EUObserver, March 20, 2014 Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has warned Crimea could be the beginning of a wider military campaign, amid Russia's veiled threats against EU and Nato member Estonia. He told the Brookings Institution, a think tank in Washington, on Wednesday (19 March): “I see Crimea as an element in a greater pattern, in a more long-term Russian, or at least [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin, strategy. So of course our major concern now is whether he will go beyond Crimea.". He added: “This crisis is not just about Ukraine. We see what could be called ‘21st century revisionism’: Attempts to turn back the clock; to draw new dividing lines on the map; to monopolise markets; shuffle populations.” He urged Nato members to increase defence spending. He pledged “further steps to reassure [Nato] allies” and to “step up assistance to Ukraine.” EVENT This was a very interesting speech this week from the NATO chief. He warns explicitly that Crimea may well be part of a longer term Russian strategy. In fact he clearly says it is Putin’s own strategy. This is one man’s ambition. This is one man’s desire and longing. Putin wants to redraw maps, turn the clock back (“I will return thee”) and challenge the “uni polar world” (one world superpower) and create a “multi polar world”. This is Putin language meaning two superpowers. The NATO chief says this is Putin’s STRATEGY. It is Putin’s PLAN. Amazingly this is exactly what the Bible says Putin will do. He will create a PLAN. In Ezekiel 38 v 10 we read that Gog (Russian leader) thinks an evil thought. This can be translated as “thou shalt devise an evil plan.” The word “thought” in the AV means “a plan” or “strategy”. Putin’s evil strategy and plan was thought of in advance. It has only just begun…. he COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:9-10)

26. Behold, a people shall come from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: These people from the north in ancient time were the Medes and Persians. In a latter day context – the Russians. Russian troop buildup now covers essentially the entire Ukrainian border CBS News, March 21, 2014 The build-up of Russian troops now covers essentially the entire Ukrainian border - with some soldiers as close as 50 kilometres away, CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports. The build-up is raising serious concerns that Russia could invade Ukraine proper. The beefing up of Russian forces includes tanks and tactical aircraft but is also a very heavy logistical build-up which would allow for a sustained operation, Martin reports. The build-up is at least twice the size of what the Russians advertised when they announced the exercise. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel called the Ukraine defence minister but there were no immediate details reported from that conversation. On Thursday, Hagel called Moscow to ask Russia's defence minister directly about the troop movements. Pentagon spokesman Adm. John Kirby said the Russian promised there would be no invasion. EVENT COMMENT The huge build-up of troops proves that all is not over with Ukraine / Crimea. Right now, there are as many as 20,000 Russian troops, complete with tanks and artillery, positioned just to the east of Ukraine. But other units deeper inside Russia appear to be on the move and could soon double the number of troops at the border. Russia has said they will not invade. But as we have said before the opposite is normally true. If Russia says their troops are not in Crimea it means they are. If Russia says its intentions are peaceful then they are not. When Russia was asked when these troops would return to their bases no timetable was given. We don’t know exactly what will happen next but conflict is highly probable. With each side increasing sanctions (and with no way to back down) war in this area might come very soon. BIBLE QUOTE (Jeremiah 50:41-42)

27. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, Having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive; Russia hints at using Iran talks as leverage New York Times, March 20, 2014 EVENT Despite public assurances by Western officials, concern is growing that the escalating animosity between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine crisis could have a corrosive effect on the nuclear talks with Iran. Even before the Obama administration expanded the scope of sanctions on Thursday over Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, the Russians had sent signals that their retaliatory tools might include an altered position regarding the Iran talks, in which Russia and the United States are colleagues in the six-nation group negotiating with the Iranians. But Russia’s delegate to the Iran talks, Sergei A. Ryabkov, the deputy foreign minister, hinted in comments reported by the Interfax news agency Wednesday night that Russia might link the Ukraine and Iran issues as part of its own diplomatic leverage with the United States and European Union. The fallout and repercussions of events in Ukraine are massive and could be seismic in terms of how it impacts on other sensitive situations around the world. One highlighted in the New York Times article above shows how it might impact on negotiations with Iran. Russia who is key to making Iran tow the line has hinted on potentially changing its stance and in effect might work against America’s push to stop Iran getting nuclear weapons. This would have enormous consequences for Israel who again is relying on America to deliver a nuclear free Iran. Almost overnight the whole geopolitical world has changed and potentially we stand on the brink of war. Much of what we have long looked for with regards to Russia is happening. We have seen through the words of God in the scriptures that a Russian leader would come to power who would be arrogant, deceptive, corrupt and strong… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 8:23-24 NKJV)

28. the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind… Time to re-arm? New Statesman, March 28, 2014 This week I walked into a newsagents at Paddington station in London and there was this magazine on the shelf in front of me. The picture as you can see is amazing. It is almost identical to slides that many of us have used to show Russia’s future role in invading the Middle East. It even shows Britain and America in the south confronting the Russian bear. We are surely watching events unfold we have long looked for…. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40)

29. Son of man, turn and face Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech [Moscow] and Tubal [Tubolsk], and prophesy against him. Magog actually means “land of Gog”. Magog covered eastern Ukraine. Gog (ancient ruler of Magog) originally ruled that area. Putin a latter day Gog is making ancient Magog “his land”…. Russia's build-up near Ukraine reaches 40,000 troops Reuters, March 28, 2014 EVENT Russia's reinforcement of troops near Ukraine has brought the total forces there to as many as 40,000, U.S. officials estimated on Friday, as the United States voiced anxiety over the buildup and called on Moscow to pull back its military. The U.S. estimates of as many as 35,000 to around 40,000 troops are higher than the more than 30,000 total deployments reported earlier this week by U.S. and European sources familiar with official reporting. Some European sources remain cautious of increasing the estimates beyond 30,000. The military buildup is adding to concerns that Russia may again be readying an incursion into Ukraine following its annexation of Crimea, which has triggered the worst stand-off with the West since the Cold War. "The possibility of another Russian incursion is very real," a U.S. intelligence official said, echoing increasingly ominous statements by other Obama officials. NATO's top military commander said on Sunday that Russia has built up a "very sizable" force on its border with Ukraine. He went on to say that Moscow may have a region in another ex-Soviet republic, Moldova, in its sights after annexing Crimea. “Russia was acting more like an adversary than a partner,” he said. We don’t know if Putin will push further West. It possibly depends on what guarantees he can get out of Obama. One thing that does concern military commanders in the West is that the type of troops and vehicles placed on Ukraine’s border are the exact type that could quickly enter at a moments notice and take a great deal of territory. Ancient Magog certainly did cover the whole of east Ukraine and therefore it is possible Putin does invade and capture the entire territory. The Bible says that Gog is (of the land of Magog), ruler of Meshech and Tubal. Putin does rule Meshech and Tubal… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:2)

30. Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her young lions will say to you, “Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?”’ G8 suspends Russia for annexation of Crimea Daily Telegraph, March 24, 2014 Russia was suspended from the G8 club of rich countries on Monday as President Barack Obama promised to “impose a greater cost” on the Kremlin if the confrontation over Ukraine escalates. The group of leaders retaliated for President Vladimir Putin’s annexation of Ukraine’s region of Crimea by agreeing to exclude Russia from their meetings. Mr Obama joined David Cameron and the leaders of France, Germany, Canada, Italy and Japan to impose the penalty. However, they stopped short of permanently barring Russia from the top table of international politics, holding open the prospect of readmission if Moscow agrees to “abide by international rules”. Until then, the G8 is effectively suspended and the world’s richest countries will meet as the G7. Their main fear is that Mr Putin will move beyond Crimea and invade eastern Ukraine. These diplomatic efforts are designed to deter Russia from taking this step. EVENT he Europe and America are struggling to make an impact on Putin. Russia has openly scorned the sanctions on individuals so far. Even the announcement of the exclusion of Russia from the G8 was openly mocked. Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said, “The G8 is an informal club, there is no formal membership in that club, so nobody can be expelled from that club by definition,” he said. “If our Western partners believe that this format has no more future, well so be it. We are not clinging to that format and we will not see it as a tragedy if it does not convene.” We just don’t care he is saying. All of this is quite similar to what we will see happen in the future. The Bible says Russia will invade Israel and on into Egypt. It says that America and Britain will question Russia. They don’t attack Russia - they just keep asking what Russia is doing. It is exactly what they are doing now, ringing their hands, with little they can do… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:13)

31. Thou, O king, [Nebuchadnezzar] sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. NATO orders end to cooperation with Russia Associated Press, April, 2014 EVENT NATO's foreign ministers ordered an end to civilian and military cooperation with Russia on Tuesday and told their generals and admirals to quickly figure out ways to better protect alliance members that feel threatened by Vladimir Putin's Kremlin. The 28-member alliance, the keystone of U.S. and European security since the end of World War II, was reacting to its most serious crisis in years: Russia's unilateral annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which the U.S. and its allies have condemned as an illegal land grab. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the other ministers, meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels behind closed doors, unanimously agreed Tuesday on a number of measures. A civilian NATO official said the steps included the suspension of "all practical civilian and military cooperation" between NATO and Russia. Last week the G8 agreed that Russia could no longer meet with them while the current situation continued. This week NATO has ended cooperation with Russia. NATO is also considering the possible deployment and reinforcement of military assets in eastern NATO member states, such as Poland and the Baltic states. Air patrols and AWACS surveillance flights over Poland and Romania have been stepped up. NATO is a military alliance of America and European nations. The main aim of NATO was to counter the military power of the USSR which is why America was involved. Basically an attack on one of NATO’s members is considered an attack on them all. Like Europe, NATO has been expanding over the last 50 years. It has moved ever eastwards. Russia feels threatened by this and has drawn a line in the sand with Ukraine. The East West division is exactly what the two legs in Neb’s image symbolise. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 2:31-33)

32. the vision concerns the time of the end. v17. the vision concerns the appointed time of the end. v19 seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future v23. a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior Russia could take Ukraine in three days Daily Telegraph, April 2, 2014 Putin – Fierce looking, arrogant, deceitful, successful EVENT Russian forces are positioned and prepared to launch an invasion of Ukraine within 12 hours of the order being given, Nato's top general has said. Gen. Philip Breedlove, Nato’s top military official and the man in charge of drafting a response to the Russian annexation of Crimea, said in interviews on Wednesday that Russian forces on the border are poised for a three to five day operation. “It’s my opinion that they could move within 12 hours of a ‘go’,” Gen. Breedlove said in an interview with CNN. “So essentially they could move right away if given the ‘go’.” Gen. Breedlove said 40,000 Russian troops remain in border areas, despite earlier reports that Russia had withdrawn some elements of an earlier troop build-up in recent days. But he added: “40,000 doesn’t tell the story.”“This is a combined arms army with all of the pieces necessary should there be a choice to make an incursion into Ukraine,” he said. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Angela Merkel he had ordered a partial withdrawal of Russian troops near the eastern border of Ukraine, according to the German government. However later on Wednesday the NATO military chief said they were not seeing any Russian troop pull-out. In fact as the article says above, Russia is ready to go into Ukraine at a moments notice. It’s not just the troops but all the logistical equipment as well that is now on the border on Ukraine. The Bible speaks about a man living at the time of the end who is associated with the ancient king of the north. We read in great detail of his character and even what he looks like in Daniel 8. He is of fierce countenance. He is deceitful. He is successful in whatever he does. He will be arrogant. He will destroy many and especially God’s people. The man in Daniel 8 is the exact same person as Gog in Ezekiel 38 – PUTIN. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 8:17, 19, 23-25 NIV)

33. 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. Putin hovering on the brink of a massive invasion Eurasia Daily Monitor, April 17, 2014 EVENT Putin and other Russian officials have been blaming the West for instigating the Ukrainian crisis and, as Putin put it, “Pushing us too far, so we were forced to push back.” In his televised phone-in, Putin insisted the threat of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) expansion engulfing Ukraine, the possibility of Western (NATO) military bases and offensive armaments “appearing in Crimea,” as well as “NATO ships in Sevastopol” forced Moscow’s hand in deciding to take over Crimea. According to Putin, not only Crimea, but the entirety of eastern and southern Ukraine, from Kharkiv in the northeast to Odessa on the border with Romania and Moldova, comprise “Novorossia” or “New Russia”. Putin implied Novorossia does not belong to Ukraine and must return to the Russian homeland. Putin once again repeated that Ukrainians and Russians “are one nation temporarily divided into two states. Shortly after the deal to try to end the crisis was agreed in Geneva on Thursday, Putin went live on his annual televised phone-in. Far from sounding like things were being resolved he spoke of territories outside Russia as being part of something called Novorossia (New Russia). He also explained what he sees as Russia’s in terms of Ukraine – the eastern and southern part of Ukraine. He also explained exactly why Russia was doing this – ie invading another country. It is because we were PUSHED too far by NATO he said. And so far from being close to a deal to calm things down we will surely see further escalation. It is remarkable Putin says he wants eastern and southern Ukraine as this is the very area that formed part of ancient Magog. It is also remarkable that he says the reason for the invasion is because Russia was PUSHED. This is the exact Bible language of Daniel 11:40 where the king of the north is PUSHED COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40)

34. For they.. 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 Armageddon. Putin threatens to cut gas to Ukraine, EU countries Daily Telegraph, April 11, 2014 EVENT Mr Putin threatened the "extreme measure" last week of cutting off Russian gas for Ukraine unless the country pays in advance for all of its supplies. In a stark letter to 18 world leaders, Mr Putin acknowledged that, in such a "critical situation", gas deliveries to the European Union would also be jeopardised. The EU buys a third of its gas from Russia, about half of which arrives through pipelines running across Ukraine. But Mr Putin accused the EU of causing the current crisis, leaving Russia with "no alternative" but to toughen its approach. As Ukraine's economy foundered under a new government and threats from Russia last month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a rescue program of £8-10bn to stabilise the country's crumpled finances and help restore growth. The IMF board will review the Ukraine financing plan, which requires tough reforms and austerity measures on the part of the government, at the end of April or beginning of March. Would Putin shut off the gas to get his own way? Answer YES. He has done it before and this time the stakes are so much higher. On Thursday European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso wrote to Putin urging Russia to provide an early warning of any possible delivery disruptions. Russia’s biggest gas client in Europe is Germany. As one mainstream UK newspaper said this week “Vladimir Putin is striking at the heart of the West. If we choose to resist Putin, we will risk a terrifying military escalation. It may be no exaggeration to say this could bring us to the brink of nuclear war. Historians may look back and say this was the start of World War III.” We know that ultimately the final conflict will be centred on Jerusalem. But all these events in Ukraine are destabilising the world order to enable Armageddon to happen… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Revelation 16:14-16)

35. 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 will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. Kiev warns of 'world war three' Daily Telegraph, April 25, 2014 EVENT Western powers led by US President Barack Obama have warning that Russia faces fresh sanctions over Ukraine, as Kiev accused Moscow of seeking to trigger a “third world war”. The threat came amid heightened tensions on the ground as the Ukrainian military launched a new offensive to besiege the rebel-held city of Slavyansk and insurgents blew up an army helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that EU ministers would meet soon to agree new measures targeting Russia. “Given the absence of progress, we have to think about - and not just think about, but act on - the option of new sanctions,” she said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities ratcheted up military operations against pro-Russian rebels in the east and called for support from the West. “The world hasn’t forgotten the 2nd World War and Russia wants to start a third world war,” said the prime minister. It is incredible as we near the 100th anniversary of the start of the first world war we read in our daily newspapers about the possible start of the third world war. The first world war, was a global war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914. More than 9 million combatants were killed. World War 1 brought about the end of several great empires. The British and the Ottoman empires. A key element was to remove the Ottoman power from Palestine. World War 2 brought about the reestablishment of Israel in the land of Palestine because of the 6m Jews that were killed in Europe. World War 3 will bring about the end of nations as we know them and the establishment of Christ’s kingdom on earth centred in Israel. The 3 world wars then are 3 stages. Stage 1 – clearing the ground for Israel to be created. Stage 2 – the creation of Israel. Stage 3 – the establishment of the kingdom of God centred on Israel. World War 3 is coming…. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 2:43-44 NIV)

36. 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, …. He shall enter also into the glorious land. The “push” is a provocation from the king of the south (America/ UK) against the king of the north (Russia). We will enter the “time of the end” when this happens… anytime soon! G7 agree new sanctions on Russia Daily Telegraph, April 26, 2014 EVENT The Group of Seven has agreed to impose new sanctions on Russia over the crisis in Ukraine, with a senior US official saying some could come as early as Monday. The move marks a further ramping up of pressure on the Kremlin by the grouping, which has turned on its fellow G8 member since Russia annexed Crimea in March. "We have now agreed that we will move swiftly to impose additional sanctions on Russia," a joint statement said. "Given the urgency of securing the opportunity for a successful and peaceful democratic vote next month in Ukraine's presidential elections, we have committed to act urgently to intensify targeted sanctions and measures to increase the costs of Russia's actions.” A senior US official, however, noted that the measures by each country need not be identical. Several European economies are tightly bound to Russia, which is a large supplier of energy. US sanctions could come as early as Monday. From a military point of view America is practically powerless in Ukraine. The Obama administration has removed all operational combat tanks from Europe and key strike aircraft. This is limiting the options for America to give a show of force to bolster eastern NATO allies as Russia contemplates invading Ukraine. So what can America do? It seems clear that America will do something. Its greatest weapon is now financial sanctions. The Telegraph reported this week that an elite cell at the US Treasury has developed an arsenal of financial weapons that can in theory can bring Russia to its knees by “persuading” global banks and insurers to pull back form dealing with Russia. Russia then would be forced either into submission or into finding new ways to get cash. Russia will be “pushed” into coming down and taking a spoil from Israel…. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40)

37. I will drive away these armies from the north. I will send them into the parched wastelands. Those in the front will be driven into the Dead Sea, and those at the rear into the Mediterranean. The stench of their rotting bodies will rise over the land.” Surely the Lord has done great things! This verse is speaking of the destruction of Russia troops in Israel by God Ukraine crisis: War of words offers little hope BBConline, April 25, 2014 Day by day the language of diplomacy is being replaced by words of confrontation and recrimination, as the US and Russia manoeuvre in the escalating crisis over the future of Ukraine. The statement by John Kerry on Thursday took the rhetoric to a new level as he accused the Russian government of failing to do anything to defuse tensions in eastern Ukraine, as required under the terms of the agreement reached in Geneva last week. "Having failed to postpone Ukraine's elections, having failed to halt a legitimate political process, Russia has instead chosen an illegitimate course of armed violence to try and achieve with the barrel of a gun and the force of a mob what couldn't be achieved any other way," Mr Kerry said. The US secretary of state went on to describe Russia's action as a "full-throated effort to sabotage the democratic process.” Not since the Cold War ended more than 20 years ago, have such angry words been fired at the Kremlin by the state department. EVENT It is hard to see any diplomatic solution with the situation in Ukraine. Russia will never let Ukraine out of its sphere of influence and America will never allow Russia to just get its own way without punishment. It is indeed an escalating crisis. In his first term Barack Obama attempted to reset relations with the Kremlin. The two countries even signed a treaty to cut their nuclear arsenals back in 2010. But that brief period of optimism that Russia and the United States could normalise relations, has now become a distant memory. It began to go wrong when the revolutions in the Arab world began. Russia was alarmed by NATO’s bombing of Libya. Russia then backed Assad in Syria and blocked every resolution against the regime. And now Ukraine is the final straw for Russia. The path to conflict has begun. It will end with Russia invading the Middle East. he COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Joel 2:20 NLT)

38. at the time of the end, the king of the south will thrust at 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 Russia warns Ukraine of 'catastrophic consequences’ Daily Telegraph, May 2, 2014 EVENT Ukraine has launched a military assault on the flashpoint town of Slavyansk, raising the stakes in the showdown with Russia, which has promised "catastrophic consequences" if Kiev stepped up operations. Insurgents shot down two army helicopters, killing two servicemen, including a pilot, as the army tightened its noose around the rebel-held town of 160,000 people. The predawn offensive drew a sharp response from Moscow, where a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin said it dealt a "final blow" to a deal clinched last month in Geneva meant to ease the crisis. A spokeswoman for insurgents in Slavyansk, the epicentre of tensions in eastern Ukraine, said the army had staged a "full-scale attack" on the town. An AFP reporter on the scene saw a column of eight armoured vehicles just south of Slavyansk and heard explosions and sporadic small arms fire as helicopters circled overhead. Another week and yet another step towards war in Europe. On Thursday Ukraine's interim president reintroduced conscription amid fears of an imminent Russian invasion. Oleksander Turchynov has also put his armed forces on "full-combat alert" in response to the estimated 40,000 Russian troops massed on the border. Analysts say Ukraine has 130,000 personnel in its armed forces that could be boosted to about one million with reservists. German chancellor Angela Merkel and President Obama delivered a joint statement that 3rd tier economic sanctions will be activated if Russia moves further into Ukraine. This is the strongest statement from Germany yet. We have all the makings here (as reported last week) of a third world war. This is not an exaggeration. Both of the world’s superpowers are directly opposing each other with no side backing down. The king of the north (Russia) and king of the south (US/UK) are at loggerheads. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40 NLT)

39. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him Ukraine crisis: dozens killed in Odessa Daily Telegraph, May 2, 2014 EVENT Dozens have died in a building fire in Ukraine after a clash between pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian protesters in the Black Sea port of Odessa. Ukrainian authorities said 31 people died in the blaze at the city’s trade union building on Friday evening. Twenty-three of the victims died of carbon monoxide poisoning and eight died after leaping from upper storey windows to escape the flames, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. More than 50 people, including 10 policemen, have sought medical attention. The carnage came after a day of vicious street battles between pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian activists in which both sides hurled cobble stones and molotov cocktails. Riot police largely stood aside as pro-Russian activists carrying bats and shields and distinguished by the orange and black St. George’s ribbon clashed with activists carrying the yellow and blue colours of the Ukrainian flag. COMMENT There is no doubt that Putin has caused this mayhem. This one man has stirred up Ukraine so that the nation has begun to tear itself apart. There was no violence, no rioting, no clashes until Putin sent in his special forces to destabilise eastern Ukraine. Human life means nothing to this man. His ambition, his plan, is to recreate the Russian Empire. He will stop at nothing to achieve this aim. Even if many lives are sacrificed he will not stop. In fact the Bible speaks of a Russian ruler (Gog) who lives at the time of the end. God knew all about Putin and the role he would play. Listen to these words from Ezekiel 38:17. This is God speaking….”You are the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel. At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them.” The chapter goes on to say that when Gog does send his armies into Israel – he (Gog) and they (his armies) will be destroyed by God… BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:21-22 NIV)

40. Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince (ruler) of Rosh, of Meshech, and of Tubal. And I will turn you back and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you forth and all your army NATO Official: Russia now an adversary Associated Press, May 1, 2014 After two decades of trying to build a partnership with Russia, NATO now feels compelled to start treating Moscow as an adversary, the alliance's second-ranking official said Thursday. "Clearly the Russians have declared NATO as an adversary, so we have to begin to view Russia no longer as a partner but as more of an adversary than a partner," said Alexander Vershbow, the deputy secretary-general of NATO. In a question-and-answer session with a small group of reporters, Vershbow said Russia's annexation of Crimea and its apparent manipulation of unrest in eastern Ukraine have fundamentally changed the NATO-Russia relationship. "In central Europe, clearly we have two different visions of what European security should be like," Vershbow said. "We still would defend the sovereignty and freedom of choice of Russia's neighbors, and Russia clearly is trying to re-impose hegemony and limit their sovereignty under the guise of a defense of the Russian world." EVENT Interesting that NATO now talk of Russia being an adversary not a partner. NATO says that Russia is trying to reimpose hegemony. In the Greek the word “Hegemon” means a leader. Hegemony is where a more powerful state rules over subordinate states using the threat of force. This is exactly what Russia is now doing. Ezekiel 38 talks about God turning Gog back. It actually says ”I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army.” The original Hebrew means “I will return you” or “I will restore you”. Putin (Gog) has been returned and restored to power (in 2012). But we also see Russia itself turned back to an being an adversary. Returned to anti-west, authoritarian, totalitarian ways. God says that when Gog has been restored we will then see him descend into the Middle East… he COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:3-4)

41. 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 This is God talking to the Russian leader of the last days Russia shows off military might in parade in Moscow Daily Telegraph, May 9, 2014 EVENT Thousands of Russian troops marched on Red Square in the annual Victory Day parade in a proud display of the nation's military might amid escalating tensions over Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin made no reference to the situation in Ukraine when he opened Friday's parade in Moscow, focusing on the historic importance of the victory over Nazi Germany. Victory Day is Russia's most important secular holiday and a key element of the national identity, reflecting the nation's enormous suffering and honoring millions of victims of World War II. The holiday also offers a chance to display the nation's massive military arsenal. About 11,000 troops proudly marched across Red Square to the tunes of marches and patriotic songs. Some 150 military vehicles and about 70 combat aircraft took part in the show. COMMENT This was the largest and longest Victory Day parade that Russia has ever held as it remembered its victory over Nazi Germany. It comes at a time of massive tension between Russia and the West. Russia’s military was in serious decline during the 1990’s after the collapse of the USSR. Under Putin however it has been restored. Russian military spending has rocketed to $76bn. They are without doubt the second most powerful nation on earth. With over 750,000 active frontline personnel, 2.5m active reservists, 15,500 tanks, 3000 aircraft, 350 ships and 8500 nuclear warheads! And one man who controls them all. Putin has this vast arsenal at his disposal. The displays this week are not only to celebrate Russia’s past victories they are a warning to the world that Russia is back. God said through Ezekiel about 2500 years ago that in the latter days Russia would get its army mobilised, arm them and then be called into action by invading Israel… BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:7-8 NLT)

42. 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. This is latter day descendant of the original king of the north – Antiochus Ephanese. Putin makes triumphant visit to Crimea Daily Telegraph, May 9 , 2014 EVENT Vladimir Putin made a triumphant visit to Crimea on Friday, as one of the bloodiest days of conflict in eastern Ukraine to date pushed the country further toward civil war. Mr Putin was met by jubilant crowds when he flew into Sevastopol after reviewing the annual victory parade on Red Square in Moscow on Friday. In a display of Russian military might, he sailed on a cutter to review flag-bedecked Russian warships anchored in the bay, greeting the sailors of Russia’s Black Sea fleet with a “hello comrades.” After the review, thousands thronged the shore to watch a fly-past of 70 military aircraft, including helicopters, MiG fighters, and Bear nuclear bombers, to mark 70 years since the city was liberated from German forces in May 1944.Crowds shouted “Russia!” and “Thank you!” as Mr Putin took to a stage to make a speech in which he praised Crimeans for “fidelity to historic justice.” COMMENT Putin arrived in military style. 10 grey Russian warships lined up behind him. As he drew along aside each warship, he yelled into a microphone, “Hello, comrades!” and the naval personnel, arrayed at least two deep on deck in their blue dress uniforms, shouted back a ritual greeting to their commander in chief, followed by a rousing “Hurrah!” This was Gog – the Russian leader – acting as the Bible said he would. Gog actually means “mountain” in Hebrew. When applied to a person it would indicate someone who thinks highly of himself – a proud, lofty and strong person. This is precisely what Putin is. Vladimir is two Russian words. Vlad = master. Mir = world / universe . Putin possibly means “people”. So we have “Master of the universe and people.” Interestingly when Gog is described in Daniel 8 it speaks of him being “master of deception” and becoming “arrogant”. We see this happening in front of our eyes… BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 8:24-25 NLT)

43. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. Putin urges separatists to postpone referendum Daily Telegraph, May 7, 2014 President Vladimir Putin has made a calculated retreat over Ukraine's crisis, urging the pro-Russian insurgents who control large areas of Donetsk to postpone a referendum on the status of the region. The Russian president also promised to "seek ways out of the crisis" and claimed that some of his country's troops had been withdrawn from Ukraine's eastern border. Mr Putin's newly conciliatory tone - the first time he has specifically called on the pro-Russians to take a step back from confrontation - came amid mounting evidence that the leaders of the "Donetsk People's Republic" would have been incapable of holding a plausible referendum by the original deadline of Sunday. Nato, the Pentagon and the White House cast doubt on Putin's statement about the troop withdrawal. "We haven't seen any evidence of any Russian forces being withdrawn from the areas where they have been stationed in recent weeks. They remain large, near the eastern borders of Ukraine,” they said. EVENT Putin is a master of deception as the Bible says he would be. He plays a very clever game and often outwits his opponents. Even though he is the aggressor he has the ability of sounding statesmanlike and compromising. This week he urged the pro Russian insurgents not to hold a referendum tomorrow (Sunday). He also said his troops were being withdrawn. But it is all deception. The troops have not moved - they are all still in position. And far from condemning the insurgents in East Ukraine, Putin makes a victory speech in Crimea which would only embolden them. Daniel 8 v 25 in the Authorised Version says “by peace [he] shall destroy many”. Other versions say “when they feel secure he will destroy many”. This is ultimately reference to his invasion of Israel but the same principles apply here – catching them off guard. he COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 8:24-25 NIV)

44. Therefore, be patient,” says the Lord. “Soon I will stand and accuse these evil nations. For I have decided to gather the kingdoms of the earth and pour out my fiercest anger and fury on them. All the earth will be devoured by the fire of my jealousy. Russia conducts large-scale nuclear attack exercise Free Beacon, May 8, 2014 Russia’s armed forces conducted a “massive” nuclear forces exercise on Thursday simulating NATO and U.S. nuclear attacks and involving several long-range ballistic and cruise missile firings. The large-scale nuclear war drills come amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West over Moscow’s military annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea and Russian-instigated unrest in eastern Ukraine. The exercises were monitored by Russian President Vladimir Putin and coincided with May 9 anniversary celebrations marking the victory in World War II. “We are checking the preparedness of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, we are holding an exercise,” Putin was quoted as saying, noting that the exercises were planned in November and involved all branches and services throughout the country, including nuclear forces. Pentagon official Mark Schneider said the exercises are unusual. EVENT he COMMENT Again here is more evidence of the truth. Not a de-escalation of the crisis but continued escalation. In rhetoric reminiscent of the Cold War, RIA Novosti news agency reported that aerospace defence forces “led by Russian President Vladimir Putin” successfully countered a massive nuclear missile strike. On Tuesday Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted as saying that Russia will beef up its Black Sea fleet this year with new submarines and warships following the annexation of the Crimean peninsula. The fleet compromises 40 frontline warships and is a platform for projecting power into the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Britain said on Thursday it had deployed a destroyer to track a Russian aircraft carrier sailing close to its coastal waters, the latest in a series of such incidents and a reminder of underlying tensions between London and Moscow. Preparations war continue apace…We need to be ready BIBLE QUOTE (Zephaniah 3:8 NLT)

45. 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 will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. Clay = humanist thinking Iron = military strength – they don’t mix! Putin Caesar and our great geo-political turning point American Thinker, April 29, 2014 We are witnessing a turning point in geopolitical history, future historians may analyse as we have seen the Roman Empire’s fall. Vladimir Putin is making a move -- and it’s not just against Ukraine. It may not be merely a move against Eastern Europe. It’s not even, perhaps, just a move against US world dominance. There was a time when the USSR was the “evil empire,” a godless Golgotha. But that was then. Now, in 2013-14, Putin has seen fit to say, in his December State of the Nation speech, “Many Euro-Atlantic countries have moved away from their roots, including Christian values. …Policies are being pursued that place on the same level a multi-child family and a same-sex partnership, a faith in God and a belief in Satan. This is the path to degradation.”“Today, many nations are revising their moral values and ethical norms, eroding ethnic traditions and differences between peoples and cultures.” EVENT Putin is seeing himself as some sort of saviour of world morals. He looks on at Western Europe and sees the promotion of same sex marriage and “alternative lifestyles” as a breakdown of Christian values. He is right of course on this point. But Putin’s answer is war, conflict and increasing power. Both sides are completely wrong in their approach. What is remarkable is this division of humanistic ways v militaristic ways is exactly detailed out in Nebuchadnezzar’s image. He saw a vision of a man made of metals. The legs were made of iron. The iron represented the Roman Empire which divided into east and west. The final part of the image was of feet made part of clay and part of iron.The clay represents man. Human thinking. The iron represents the military strength of Rome. The two don’t mix. Russia is the iron. Europe is the clay. They don’t mix! COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 2:43-44 NIV)

46. And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. Insurgents in eastern Ukraine declare independence Associated Press, May 12, 2014 EVENT Pro-Moscow insurgents in eastern Ukraine declared independence Monday and sought to join Russia, undermining upcoming presidential elections, strengthening the Kremlin's hand and putting pressure on Kiev to hold talks with the separatists following a referendum on self-rule. Russia signaled it has no intention of subsuming eastern Ukraine the way it annexed Crimea in March. Instead, Moscow is pushing to include eastern regions in negotiations on Ukraine's future — suggesting that Russia prefers a political rather than a military solution to its worst standoff with the West since the Cold War. Such talks are central to a potential path toward peace outlined Monday by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. But it's up to the Ukrainian government to take the next step. COMMENT When a woman gives birth she goes through contractions. There is severe pain and then respite, severe pain then respite. But each contraction is stronger and the gap between the contractions get closer. The Bible speaks of the world being in pain like a woman in labour just before Christ returns. This week has been a quieter week in the Ukraine – but be assured another contraction is coming. We know that Russia has encouraged weeks of unrest in eastern Ukraine in a possible attempt to grab more land. The Ukrainian government's room to manoeuvre is shrinking. With national presidential elections scheduled for May 25, the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk who declared independence Monday have asked to join their enormous neighbour Russia instead. These areas form Ukraine's industrial heartland. There is so much at stake. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Ukraine is on the brink of civil war, making it difficult to hold free & fair elections later this month. It is on the brink. BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 13:8-9)

47. 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. The man spoken of here is of the same ilk as the ancient king of the north – Antiochus Ephanese US releases satellite images of Russian forces Daily Telegraph, May 14, 2014 EVENT The US government released new satellite pictures on Tuesday which it said showed Russian forces were still near the Ukrainian border in recent days, contradicting Russian assertions they had been withdrawn. President Vladimir Putin announced last Wednesday that the troops had moved, but Nato and the United States both said they had seen no sign of a Russian withdrawal from the frontier. Nato officials have previously estimated Russia has around 40,000 soldiers close to Ukraine's border, exacerbating the worst East-West crisis since the Cold War. The commercial satellite photos, published by the US State Department and on the US Mission to Nato's Twitter account, showed what appeared to be about 20 Russian helicopters at Belgorod, near the Ukrainian border, on May 9.Alongside it, the US government published another image of the same area on March 26, also showing helicopters. An earlier photograph, from March 22, showed no helicopters in the area Nato is accusing Russia of blatantly lying. Russia says their troops have moved away from Ukraine’s border. America then shows pictures showing they have not moved at all. Colonel Martin Downie, spokesman for Allied Command Operations at Nato, said recent comments by Russia's leadership on a troop withdrawal did not reflect realities on the ground. "The reality is that Russia continues to have 40,000 high readiness troops massed on Ukraine's border and another 25,000 troops in Crimea. The units on the latest satellite pictures show mechanised infantry, armoured vehicles and combat helicopters," he said in a statement. We know from the Bible that Putin (the little horn that grows in Daniel 8) is deceitful. In fact one version says he is “master of deception”. Russia says it has not sent in troops into Ukraine but everyone sees it has. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 8:24-25 NLT)

48. 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, ….He will conquer many countries, and even Egypt will not escape. Turkey vulnerable to Russian power in the Black Sea Jerusalem Post, April 19, 2014 With the annexation of Crimea, Turkey faces a stronger and bolder Russian naval power in the Black Sea. A resurgent Russia may be tempted to exploit its temporary naval dominance to alter current Black Sea energy exploitation and transportation arrangements more in its favor and to the detriment of Turkey and its partners in the Caucasus. With the annexation of Crimea, Turkey faces a stronger and bolder Russian naval power in the Black Sea. Russia now possesses the Ukrainian navy’s submarine and several, if not most, of Ukraine’s 11 major surface combatants. Even without the Ukraine’s naval assets, Russia’s own new additions to its Black Sea Fleet will enable Moscow to dominate the region. Russia recently put to sea the first of its six Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates. All six frigates are designated for service in the Black Sea Fleet. These Russian procurement programs alone will quickly tilt the balance of naval forces in Russia’s favor EVENT This was a very interesting article in the Jerusalem Post a few weeks ago looking at how Turkey could be seriously affected by Russia’s growing power and strength. Turkey has a large military naval force in the Black Sea but now Russia has taken over Crimea this delicate balance has shifted towards Russia. Russia of course captured Ukraine’s naval assets when it annexed Crimea increasing overnight its naval strength. Another even more serious destabilising situation might come with gas pipelines. Currently Russia transports some gas through Turkish waters to avoid Ukraine’s boundaries. Now Crimea is part of Russia it could change the route of the pipeline and bypass Turkey. The Bible speaks of a vast Russian navy coming down into the Middle East. Events in Crimea have positioned Russia in a very strong position to do this… he COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 1140-41)

49. a fierce-looking king, 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. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people. He will cause deceit to prosper Premier, President, Czar – What Putin wants Time Magazine, May 19, 2014 Putin is an unlikely giant of modern geopolitics. Born to a family of modest means he made a career in the KGB. After the Soviet Union collapsed, Putin worked in the city government of St Petersburg, then joined the Kremlin staff of President Boris Yeltsin. Yeltsin named Putin the head of the FSB which replaced the KGB, and then his Prime Minister. That positioned Putin to become president when Yeltsin resigned. Putin inherited a humbled motherland. He was determined to reverse this and restore Russia’s place in the ranks of great powers. A surge oil prices helped plug holes in an outmoded Russian economy. It also allowed Putin to modernize his military. Putin grew bolder. The shirtless horseback rides, the judo matches and other antics for the camera. The restoration continued. In 2008 Putin defied Western condemnation and sent his army into Georgia. Putin is Russian Orthodox. The Russian czars saw themselves as protectors of the world’s Orthodox people – the 19th century Crimean War was fought largely on those grounds – Putin is increasingly taking up that cause. EVENT This article in Time Magazine made some very interesting points about Putin. He is a very unlikely candidate to be running the world’s second largest superpower. He was almost unknown and had little to no political base. He was literally picked from relative obscurity and handed the keys to the presidency of Russia. I have recently read a book called “The man without a face – the unlikely rise of Vladimir Putin.” It explains how Putin did end up in power and the reasons he was selected. In Daniel 8 we read of a ruler that exists in the latter days. This ruler we are told becomes “very strong” but it goes on to say “but not by his own power”. In other words not by his own strength. Putin was placed in power by those at the time who wanted yes man – a puppet! he COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 8:23-24)

50. 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, but Moab, Edom, and the best part of Ammon will escape. He will conquer many countries, and even Egypt will not escape. After Crimea: The future of the Black Sea fleet The Jamestown Foundation, May 22, 2014 Russia’s March 17 annexation of Crimea capped nearly two decades of increasingly fractious Russian-Ukrainian relations, punctuated by rising tensions over Russia’s lease of Sevastopol. Russia’s annexation of Crimea has altered the Black Sea Fleet’s future. On May 13, Russian Navy commander-in-chief Admiral Viktor Chirkov stated that the Black Sea Fleet will receive 30 new warships over the next six years, following an earlier statement by Defense Minister General Sergei Shoigu that the BSF will receive more than $2.3 billion in developmental funding by 2020 (ITAR-TASS, May 13). Their final deployment is uncertain, as some support vessels are slated for stationing in the Sea of Azov and may be more of a statement of posturing rather than a new naval reality. In addition to Sevastopol, the finest natural harbor in the Black Sea, Russia also acquired the former Crimean Ukrainian naval bases of Novoozerne on Donuzlav Bay. EVENT It is now clear that Russia’s annexation of Crimea is part of a larger plan to revitalize the Russian Navy and the Black Sea Fleet in particular. The expansion of the Black Sea Fleet will also bolster Russia’s ability to project power in the region. Beyond the Black Sea, Sevastopol will allow Moscow to exert influence over the eastern Mediterranean, Balkans and Middle East. The importance of the Mediterranean to Russia was highlighted in 2013, when, amid the civil war in Syria, Russia created a “permanent task force”. Russian Deputy Prime Minister said that all 23 Crimean defence industry plants and shipyards would be involved in the modernization of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, saying, “When it comes to shipbuilding and ship repair, let me remind you that in 2015 we will undertake a massive upgrading of the Black Sea fleet. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 11:40-42)