A New Cold War

In a recent interview, the Soviet Union’s former premier Mikhail Gorbachev warned “The world is on the brink of a new Cold War. Some are even saying that it has already begun” (Agence France-Presse, November 8, 2014). He cautioned, “Let us remember that there can be no security in Europe without German-Russian partnership” (ibid.). In addition to the escalating situation in the Ukraine (UPI, November 12, 2014), Russian military presence is increasing around the globe. Last month a Russian submarine was found in waters just outside of Stockholm (Newsweek, October 21, 2014). This followed a simulated Russian missile attack on Stockholm last year (ibid.). In September, Russian bombers and fighters were intercepted by Canadian fighters just 40 nautical miles from the Canadian coast line (Christian Science Monitor, September 20, 2014). Russia has made airspace incursions over Europe in recent months (AFP, October 31, 2014). Russia also “plans to send long-range bombers to the Gulf of Mexico in what appears to be Moscow’s latest provocative maneuver in its increasingly frosty relations with the West” (CNN, November 13, 2014). 

The growing tension between the East and West could lead to the fulfillment of major Bible prophecies. Jesus Christ warned that one of the signs of the end of the age would be “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6). Russia’s increasingly aggressive activities could push Germany and Europe to increase their military capability. In a recent meeting, German Chancellor Angela Merkel insinuated that Russia was working to take back its former Soviet satellites (The New York Times, November 17, 2014).

For more on this situation, be sure to read The Ukraine Crisis: History and Prophecy.