Russia Pushes Europe to Militarize

In response to Russia’s stepped-up air-defense training flights and the reopening of Russian military bases closed since the Cold War, “Norway’s defence minister has said her country’s armed forces will be restructured so they can respond faster to what she called increased Russian aggression” (The Guardian, February 25, 2015). Also in response to Russia’s actions in the Ukraine, “Germany plans to activate a tank battalion that exists only on paper as it seeks to increase the country’s military capability... already existing units would be equipped with more material and… the already close cooperation with the French, Polish and Dutch armies would be stepped up still further” (Deutsche Welle, February 27, 2015). “In the wake of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Lithuania on Tuesday said it would take steps to reinstate basic military conscription for the next five years” (EU Observer, February 25, 2015). 

God has long prophesied the establishment of a European “beast” power with a select group of 10 “kings” or nations (Daniel 11:40-43; Revelation 17:12-14). This “beast” will be a formidable military power that will use its military might (Daniel 11:31, 38-43). It is sobering to watch what may be the formation of this European beast and to see that Russia’s actions may help it to form!

For more on coming events in Europe, be sure to watch “The Beast of Revelation.”