The War of Gog and Magog

Russia and Iran Reported in Talks on Energy Deal Worth Billions

Apr. 30, 2014 -

The Obama administration’s strategy of punishing Russia with economic sanctions over the Ukraine crisis encountered a new complication on Monday with word that the Russians are negotiating an $8 billion to $10 billion energy deal with Iran.

According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, Russia will export 500 megawatts of electricity to Iran via a transmission network. They will also construct new thermal and hydroelectric generating plants.

Source: NY Times

Prophetic Significance of the War of Gog and Magog

Russia wants to start third world war, says Ukraine

Apr. 25, 2014 - Ukrainian prime minister, Arseny Yatseniuk told his interim cabinet:

"The world has not yet forgotten world war two, but Russia already wants to start world war three. Attempts at military conflict in Ukraine will lead to a military conflict in Europe."

Source: The Guardian - UK

Ukraine helicopter hit by grenade taking off - Telegraph - UK

US: Russia has ‘days, not weeks’ to stem Ukraine crisis - Times of Israel

Putin is on the march - Wajiha Suboor - Opinion - Putin wants to rebuild the Soviet Union - - Hubub

Ukraine alert as politician 'killed'

Apr. 22, 2014 -

Ukraine's acting president has ordered the relaunch of military operations against pro-Russian militants in the east after two men, one a local politician, were "tortured to death."

Oleksandr Turchynov said, "The terrorists who effectively took the whole Donetsk region hostage have now gone too far."

Vice-President Joe Biden is visiting Ukraine at this time.

Source: BBC

US Sending 600 Troops to Eastern Europe to Reassure Allies - NewsMax

'Provocative' Putin reacts to U.S. presence - WND

Make No Mistake: Russia Is Invading Ukraine - NewsMax

Moscow and Ramallah: The new alliance

April 7, 2014 -

Analysis: Palestinians may soon be the ones to threaten US (and Israel) by inviting Russia to the negotiating table as a partner and mediator.

The Palestinians have dared to resist U.S. pressure to make peace with Israel. One reason they may take the risk of losing American assistance is the fact that Russia is returning to its cold-war positions and needs friends. Russia sees the Palestinian Authority as an ideal bridgehead to the Arab world.

Source: YNET News

Ukraine creates buzz for end-times watchers

Apr. 2, 2014 - Chemi Shaley, a writer for Haaretz, the Israeli news source, said that many Israelis think that developments in the Ukraine could set in motion the conflict with Gog and Magog, one of the Bible’s heralds of the end times and the return of the Messiah. He said that Josephus, the Jewish historian identified the Scythians, who lived in the central Eurasian region until the 4th century, lived in the land of Magog. That could make Ukraine part of the Gog and Magog alliance that will attack Israel as a prelude to the End of Days. Therefore, they believe that "it is Vladimir Putin, aka Gog, aka King of the North, who has set things in motion."

Source: WND

FYI: Putin=Gog, Crimea=Magog, the apocalypse is here and the Messiah is coming - Chemi Shaley - Haaretz

68% of Americans fear a “nuclear holocaust” here in U.S. if Iran is permitted to build nuclear weapons, exclusive poll finds.

Mar. 25, 2014 -

Americans do not only fear that a nuclear-armed Iran would try to bring about a “Second Holocaust” by annihilating all six million Jews in the State of Israel. They also fear Iranian leaders would try to bring about a “nuclear holocaust” inside the United States of America.

The poll, conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, asked this question:

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: ‘If the U.S. and our allies do not take decisive action, and the Iranian regime is permitted to build nuclear weapons and the missiles to deliver them, the Iranian regime will one day attempt to attack the homeland of the United States and bring about a nuclear holocaust’?”
•68.1% agreed they fear a nuclear holocaust inside the U.S.
•23.3% disagreed
•8.6% said they did not know

Source: Joel Rosenberg

Rep. Ted Poe: 'Cold War II' Is Coming

Mar. 22, 2014 - According to Ted Poe, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Ukraine issue is causing another Cold War." He said, "We're in Cold War II. The Russians know it ... but I don't think the United States knows it."

He suggested that the U.S. might be able to make progress in this situation by providing natural gas to European NATO nations. This would lessen their dependence on Russian energy and allow them to stand against further aggression from Putin.

Source: NewsMax

Europe vulnerable to Russian energy extortion

Mar. 21, 2014 - Russia's Trans-Siberian pipeline provides a third of Europe's energy. Its construction was opposed by the U.S. as early as 1981 during the Reagan years.

The U.S. security concern was that Moscow could use such European energy reliance as political leverage or even blackmail to limit any political, economic or military response from the West to the then-Soviet Union.

Now this dependence on Russian oil and gas will affect the European response to the Ukraine crisis and other moves that Russia might make.

Source: WND

Russia threatens to change stance on Iran because of Crimea sanctions

Mar. 20, 2014 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed that Russia didn't want to use the Iranian nuclear talks to "raise stakes," but may have to do so in response to the actions by the United States and the European Union.

Source: YNet News

Russia Warns the West it May Side with Iran - Israel National News

White House, EU sanction Russian officials after Crimea vote

Mar. 17, 2014 - President Obama announced sanctions against seven Russian officials in retaliation for Ukraine's Crimea region voting to join Russia. The European Union is making similar statements.

While stopping short of singling out Russian President Vladimir Putin himself, President Obama sanctioned several members of Putin's inner circle. The White House also announced sanctions against separatist leaders in Crimea and former president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych.

Source: Fox

Ukraine activates reserves following Sunday vote - Washington Post

State television presenter warns Russia could 'turn the US into radioactive dust' - Prophecy Central's Coldwar Section

With Crimea Gone, Putin Now Prepares to Take Rest of Ukraine - NewsMax

Pro-Russian Forces Seize Ukrainian Naval Base - Time

Could Moldova Be The Next Crimea? Ethnic Russians In Transnistria Call On Moscow For Accession - International Business Times

Moldova's Trans-Dniester region pleads to join Russia - BBC

Russia now flexing muscles toward Georgia - WND

Opinion: Putin planning 'Soviet Union lite' - CNN

Polls open in Crimea referendum amid high tensions

Mar. 16, 2014 - Today Crimea's residents vote on whether or not to ratify their regional parliament's decision to be annexed by Russia.

The referendum has been condemned as illegal by the United States and European countries... If the referendum passes, Russia faces the prospect of sanctions from Western nations, but Moscow has vigorously resisted calls to pull back in Crimea.

Source:

Live Updates - Guardian - UK

Iran, Russia Keen to Expand Bilateral Ties

Mar. 15, 2014 -

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a phone conversation discussed bolstering and reinvigorating of the two states' bilateral ties and cooperation in various spheres.

Source: FARS News

Ukraine crisis: US and Russia in key London talks

Mar, 14, 2014 -

US Secretary of State John Kerry is holding talks on Ukraine with his Russian counterpart in London, in an attempt to defuse tensions two days before a disputed referendum in Crimea.

Kerry has already warned Russia's Sergei Lavrov of "very serious steps" if Russia annexes the region.

An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was held yesterday. The Russian ambassador to the UN defended the right of Crimea, which is predominantly ethnic Russian, to decide whether or not to join the Russian Federation.

Source: BBC

Is Ukraine in Bible prophecy? - Ron's Blog

Tensions flare as military standoff in Ukraine's Crimea region continues

Mar. 8, 2014 -

Ukrainian officials accused pro-Russian forces in its Crimea region of fresh bullying tactics Saturday, as about 100 armed men reportedly took control of a military office in the regional capital, Simferopol.

Russian troops also took control of a Crimean border control point early Saturday.

Source: CNN

Ukraine PM: Crimea 'was, is and will be an integral part of Ukraine'

Mar. 7, 2014 - Crimean lawmakers have voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia. They have scheduled a public vote to confirm it on March 16.

This act drew widespread condemnation, with Ukrainian interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk calling such a referendum "an illegitimate decision."
"Crimea was, is and will be an integral part of Ukraine," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claims the right to use military force in Ukraine if necessary to protect ethnic Russians during the crisis.

President Barack Obama weighed in on the issue. He said that the legitimate government of Ukraine must be involved in such a decision. He said, "In 2014, we are well beyond the days when borders can be redrawn over the heads of democratic leaders."

Source: CNN

5 lessons for a new Cold War - Frida Ghitis - CNN

Ukraine crisis: 'Illegal' Crimean referendum condemned

Mar. 6, 2014 - The parliament of the Crimean Penninsula has set the date of March 16 for a national vote to separate from Ukraine and join Russia.

Russian troops took de facto control of Crimea, whose population is mostly ethnic Russian, in the wake of the fall of Ukraine's pro-Moscow president

Meanwhile, the European Union threatened "serious consequences" if Russia did not act to de-escalate the crisis.

Source: BBC

Obama calls Crimea independence vote illegal as U.S. destroyer sent on exercises in the Black Sea - National Post

Congress steps up action on Ukraine - USA Today

Russia test-fires Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

Mar. 5, 2014 - Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces launched an RS-12M Topol missile from a region near the Caspian Sea. It sucessfully struck its target in Kazakhstan. The test occured during the crisis with Ukraine, but was not directly connected to the conflict.

Source: Fox

How the Ukraine Crisis Ends - Henry Kissinger - Washington Post

The 160-Year Christian History Behind What's Happening in Ukraine - Phillip Jenkins - Christianity Today

Putin: Russia Reserves Right for Force in Ukraine

Mar. 4, 2014 -

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Russia reserves the right to use force in Ukraine to protect Russian-speaking residents there and called the toppling of former President Viktor Yanukovych's government an "unconstitutional coup."

In a television interview in Russia Putin claimed that the soldiers sent into the Crimea region were only there to protect the Russian military installation and he saw no immediate need to send forces into western Ukraine. If they did use force in Ukraine, he said it would be legal because it was requested by deposed president Yanukovych. Putin said that Yanukovych was the country's only lawful leader.

Source: Wall Sreet Journal

Russia, China unite over Ukraine - WND

Putin: No Need to Use Military Force in Ukraine for Now - NewsMax

Putin: Russia force only 'last resort' in Ukraine - BBC

Update 3/5/14 - EU to offer $15 billion in aid to Ukraine as talks kick off in Paris - The Globe and Mail

Putin defends his course on Ukraine, seeks to turn tables against the West - Fox

Russian admiral issues ultimatum in Crimea

Mar. 3, 2014 - Russian Black Sea Fleet Commander Aleksandr Vitkoi issued an ultimatum to Ukraine's military in Crimea to surrender. He said, "If they do not give up by 5 a.m. tomorrow, there will be a real storm of subdivisions and units of Ukraine's military forces all over Crimea."

Other Russian officials said that the crisis can be defused if the country agrees to take back its ousted pro-Moscow president.

Source: USA Today

Ukraine crisis live: 'Worst crisis in Europe in the 21st Century'

Mar. 3, 2014 - Read live updates from this very important development.

Source: Telegraph - UK

Bolton: Kremlin 'laughing' at Obama - WND

Ukraine Appeals to NATO for Help After Russia Approves Force

Mar. 3, 2014 - Soon after Russia's Federation Council approved the deployment of military forces in Ukraine, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrei Deshchitsa asked The North Atlantic Council (NATO) to use all possible measures to ensure its territorial integrity and protect its people. They also appealed for help securing their nuclear facilities.

Source: the Moscow Times

NATO meets on Ukraine; says Russia risks destabilizing Europe - The Globe and mail

Russian media on Crimea: “Putin will become the first person of world politics” - Raw Story

Ukraine News Update - BBC

Russian military moves in Crimea are declaration of war, says Ukrainian PM

Mar. 2, 2014 - Because Russian troops have surrounded a Ukrainian base just outside the Crimean capital, Simferopol, the acting prime minister of Ukraine said "We are on the brink of disaster." He urged Russia's Putin to honor the 1994 pact with Ukraine. He said,

"If he wants to be the president who started a war between two neighboring and friendly countries, he has reached his target within a few inches."

Source: The Guardian

President Obama, Vladimir Putin speak after Russia sends more soldiers to Ukraine - NY Daily News

Kerry Threatens Sanctions Against Russia - NewsMax

Russia Extends Reach in Crimea with Calls for Troops in Ukrainian Region

Mar. 1, 2014 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked for parliamentary approval to deploy military force in Ukraine.

Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of parliament, had issued an appeal to Mr. Putin to “use all available means to defend the population of Crimea from disorder and violence.”

Source: Wall Street Journal

Putin seeks Ukraine troop deployment - BBC

Dangerous escalation: Despite Obama warning, Putin sends Russian troops into Ukraine. Asks Parliament for authorization to use force. - Joel Rosenberg

US warns Russia on war games as tensions mount in Ukraine's Crimea

Feb. 27, 2014 - Secretary of State John Kerry reacted to news that Russia had ordered 150,000 troops to test their combat readiness, and had taken control of government buildings in Ukraine's Crimea region.

"Any kind of military intervention that would violate the sovereign territorial integrity of Ukraine would be a huge, a grave mistake," Kerry told reporters in Washington. "The territorial integrity of Ukraine needs to be respected."

Source: Fox

Ukraine revolution: Putin puts troops on alert in western Russia

Feb. 26, 2014 - Following the overthrow of Viktor Yanukovych in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has put armed forces in western Russia 'on alert.' Russia's defense minister said that Moscow is monitoring the developments. He said measures were being taken ...

... to ensure the security of the facilities and arsenals of its Black Sea naval fleet, which is based in the fiercely pro-Russian Crimean city of Sebastopol.

Source: Telegraph - UK

Ukraine names Baptist pastor as acting president. Ukrainian evangelicals issue call for national prayer & reconciliation in wake of violence. - Joel Rosenberg

US tells Russia to keep troops out of Ukraine as Crimea flashpoint looms

Feb. 24, 2014 -

Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said opposition leaders had broken the agreement mediated by European foreign ministers on Friday, “having in effect seized power in Kiev, refused to disarm and continued to place its bets on violence.”

President Obama's national security advisor responded by warning that Russia would be making a “grave mistake” if they sent soldiers into Ukraine to restore the deposed president and his government.

Source: Telegraph

Gorbachev Calls for Ukraine Unity - NewsMax

Ukraine Leader’s Flight Blocked as Opponents Take Power

Feb. 23, 2014 -

Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko returned to the political stage after leaving prison as Viktor Yanukovych was stopped from fleeing the country following the nation’s bloodiest week since World War II.

Ex-Premier Tymoshenko was released from a prison hospital. She looked frail, speaking from a wheelchair, but spoke with power, saying, “A new epoch has started -- an epoch of free people, of a free European Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, protesters took over the luxury estate of deposed President Yanukovych. Border guards kept his plane from leaving the country, but he escaped detention.

Source: Bloomberg

At stake in Ukraine's drama is the future of Putin, Russia and Europe - The Guardian - UK

Why Putin Wants Ukraine - Wall Street Journal

Putin still betting on Ukrainian President Yanukovich - Haaretz

Ukraine at crossroads as talks of split increase - USA Today

Fresh violence flares in Ukraine as president announces concessions to end crisis

Feb. 21, 2014 -

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Friday announced early presidential elections and promised to bring opposition members into the government in a bid to defuse the country's political crisis.

Meanwhile sporadic fighting continues near Kiev's Independence Square, and there is no indication yet that the opposition will be satisfied by the statement.

Source: Fox

Live Coverage of the Ukraine Crisis - Fox

Ukraine truce broken: 22 dead so far

Feb. 20, 2014 - A truce in Kiev only lasted a few hours. Police and protesters blame each other for the renewed fighting in the heart of the capital city. At least 22 people have died so far in today's struggle.

A meeting between EU foreign ministers and President Viktor Yanukovych is now under way, officials say, contradicting earlier reports that the ministers had flown out without seeing him.

Source: BBC

Ukraine is on fire. People are dying in the streets. Why? At the core, it’s a battle against Vladimir Putin. - Joel Rosenberg

Is Putin pushing for a crackdown in Ukraine? - CS Monitor

Tensions high in Ukraine after at least 21 die in fiery clashes

Feb. 19, 2014 - Ever since last November Ukrainian protestors have camped out in Kiev's Maidan, or Independence Square. They have set fires from time to time as part of their activities. The protests began ...

...over President Viktor Yanukovych's backpedaling from a trade pact with the European Union -- a move that the opposition maligned, accusing Yanukovych of trying to cozy up to Russia rather than the West.

The government is now trying to disperse the protestors, and in the process at least 21 people were killed in the clashes.

Source: Fox

Is Ukraine in Bible prophecy? - Ron's Blog

Live updates - Mirror

Ukraine crisis: Police storm main Kiev 'Maidan' protest camp - BBC

Ukraine explodes in violence - USA Today

What's Happening in Kiev Right Now Is Vladimir Putin's Worst Nightmare - New Republic

How Ukraine Crisis Went From Compromise To Bloodshed In Just Hours - Radio Free Urope Liberty Radio

Putin embraces Egypt in Middle East power grab

Feb. 15, 2014 -

President Putin publicly threw his support behind the Egyptian military leader and president-in-waiting yesterday, sending a muscular message to Washington about changing alignments in the Middle East.

Source: The Times - UK

Palestinian leader heads to Moscow. Abbas wants Russia to play “bigger role” in epicenter.

Jan. 22, 2014 - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will arrive in Russia today, and plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. They will discuss bilateral relations and the progress of the United States-mediated talks between the Palestinians and Israel. Nabil Shaath, Fatah’s Commissioner of International Relations, says the talks are deadlocked.

“Russia has played a huge role in reaching agreement with Iran and we are also seeing progress [in talks] on Syria. This brings us hope that the visit [of Abbas] will ensure progress in settling the Palestinian-Israeli issue,” Shaath said.

Source: Joel Rosenberg

Iran, Russia negotiating big oil-for-goods deal

Jan. 10, 2014 - Russia and Iran have agreed on a preliminary deal to swap Iranian oil for Russian goods. Agreement on the trade would be in defiance of the Western sanctions that helped force Tehran in November to agree a preliminary deal to end its nuclear program.

Russian purchases of 500,000 bpd of Iranian crude would lift Iran's oil exports by 50 percent and provide a major flip to its struggling economy.

Source: YNetNews

See earlier Articles: before Jan. 1, 2014