Putin defends Crimea annexation; Moldova’s election seemingly points to EU

Vladimir Putin signing annexation of Crimea documents

Russia’s Vladimir Putin strongly defended the annexation of Crimea today and made accusations against the U.S.A. and its allies:

December 4, 2014

Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended his country’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula and accused the West of using the Ukraine crisis as a pretext to impose sanctions on Moscow.

Delivering his annual state of the union speech Thursday, Putin referred to Crimea as Russia’s spiritual ground. He called the region “the same as Temple Mount in Jerusalem for those who confess Islam and Judaism. And this is exactly how we will treat it from here for ever.”

On the subject of Western sanctions, he said, “When anyone thinks Russia has become strong, independent, such instruments are applied immediately.

“This is not just a nervous reaction of the United States and their allies to our stance in regard to the events and coup in Ukraine; not even in regard to the so-called Crimean spring,” he added. “I am certain that if all this did not take place … they would come up with another reason to contain Russia’s growing capabilities, to influence it or, even better, use it for its own goals.”

Economy affected by sanctions

Russia’s economic situation has unraveled since the United States and the European Union imposed a series of increasingly harsh economic sanctions on Moscow over its annexation of Crimea and what they see as support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Russia had pitched itself into isolation through its own actions in Ukraine and could rebuild international credibility only by ending its support for pro-Russian separatists.

Speaking at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE), Kerry said on Thursday that Moscow had failed to live up to its commitments under September Minsk cease-fire accords to end the conflict in Ukraine.

“It is not our design or desire that we see a Russia that is isolated through its own actions,” he said at the meeting in Basel, Switzerland.

“In fact we are convinced that Moscow could rebuild trust and relationships if it simply helps to calm turbulent waters, if it takes steps now to implement the Minsk Protocol,” Kerry added.

Of Ukraine, Putin said, “Every nation has an inalienable, sovereign right to its own path of development. … Russia always has and always will respect that.”

However, he said Russia was justified in intervening in Ukraine because the West had supported a “coup” in Kyiv, when former Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych was forced from power in February.

“What we are seeing now in Ukraine, the tragedy in the southeast, fully confirms that our position is right,” Putin said.

Western sanctions, coupled with a sharp decline in oil exports and the free fall of the Russian ruble, prompted Moscow on Tuesday to predict the Russian economy will further contract in 2015. http://www.voanews.com/content/russias-putin-defends-annexation-of-crimea/2545475.html

So the Russian President believes that the West caused the problems and would try to keep Russia down no matter what.

Based on his prior statements, I suspect that Vladimir Putin also considers the rest of the Ukraine “Russia’s spiritual ground.” He will take steps as he feels he can to attain it or as much influence as he can with the rest of it.

It is not just the U.S.A. that concerns Vladimir Putin. Various actions related to Ukraine in the last year and a half have to do with the European Union. Because of provisions in the treaties, countries cannot be members of the European Union and Vladimir Putin’s coming Eurasian Union (scheduled to begin January 1, 2015) at the same time.

The European Union wants nearly all of continental Europe to be part of it, and that includes Ukraine. That also includes Moldova, which like Ukraine, some in the West see as a ‘buffer’ against Russia because of geographic proximity, as well as Georgia. Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia have all formally made steps to become part of the European Union.

Moldova itself had an election earlier this week. I intentionally waited until today to report about it as there has been some concerns about its results. Currently, it is believed that the pro-European Union parties are cooperating and will run Moldova. Here are a couple of reports about it, with the first from a UK source and the second from a Russian source:

December 3, 2014

BY HOOK or by crook, three parties in favour of closer integration with the European Union seem set to form the next government of Moldova. With 95% of the votes counted from the November 30th election, the pro-Europeans appeared to have won about 55 seats between them in the 101-seat parliament. The parties presented themselves in lofty idealistic terms during the campaign, the pro-Brussels camp trumpeting Moldova’s recent association agreement with the EU and the pro-Moscow camp its eternal love of Russia. But that is not quite the way the voters saw them. Igor Botan, a Moldovan political scientist, says that for most voters the elections represented a strategic choice between “pro-European crooks and pro-Russian crooks”.

Many citizens are questioning the election’s very legitimacy, because the party they planned to vote for was blocked from participating. On November 29th Moldova’s supreme court confirmed an earlier ruling that Patria, a new party led by Renato Usatii, a wealthy businessman, should be barred from the election. The court claimed that the party had been financed using illegal funds from abroad, presumably from Russia.

Mr Usatii’s story is a window into Moldova’s political snakepit. The businessman claims to have served as an adviser to Vlad Filat, a former prime minister, and to have inside knowledge of Mr Filat’s corruption. Mr Filat, in turn, is widely believed to be the real power behind Iurie Leanca, the outgoing prime minister, who is widely respected. Mr Usatii positioned his new party as pro-Russian, and abruptly fled to Moscow three days before the election. His supporters say excluding his party was a nakedly political abuse of the judiciary. Even many pro-European Moldovans agree with that analysis.

In another apparent sleight of hand, a so-called “clone party” was created before the elections whose name and symbol were similar to the mainstream Communist Party. Dorin Chirtoaca, the mayor of Chisinau and a staunch pro-European, says he thinks the clone was created by other pro-Europeans to confuse elderly voters. It got 5% of the vote, which is less than the threshold necessary to enter parliament. If all of its votes had gone to the actual Communist Party, the pro-Europeans would have lost the election.

After Mr Usatii was disqualified, many voters who had planned to back him instead cast their votes for a new Socialist Party. It promoted itself with pictures of its leaders meeting Vladimir Putin, and called for Moldova to enter Russia’s new Eurasian customs union along with other former Soviet republics. Curiously, Moldova’s Communists are far less sympathetic to Moscow; they loathe the Socialists, and say they would like to renegotiate Moldova’s deal with the EU, not scrap it. This is why Russia is believed to have thrown resources and support behind the Socialists and Mr Usatii’s Patria. The Communists may now back the pro-Europeans in parliament.

Russia’s reaction to its political setback will be critical, according to George Balan, a Moldovan official. http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21635339-moldovans-choose-europe-barely

December 3, 2014

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that there had been “gross violations” of election rules during the campaign for the Nov. 30 parliamentary election in Moldova and on voting day.

International monitors said the election had been well-run but criticized a last-minute decision to exclude the party of Russian businessman Renato Usatii from the race on the grounds that it had been funded from abroad.

“Moscow has taken note of international experts’ assessments following the results of the parliamentary elections in Moldova,” the ministry said in a statement.

“At the same time one cannot ignore that the conclusions on their transparent and democratic character do not go down well, with gross violations allowed in the preparations and the conduct of the election process.”

Three pro-European parties look likely to form a new ruling coalition after the vote even though Moldova’s Socialist Party, which favors joining a Russia-led economic bloc rather than moving towards the European Union, won the most votes.

The ministry said the results showed many Moldovans want deeper ties with Moscow, which supports close ties with Transdnestr, a pro-Russian breakaway region in Moldova. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russia-reports-gross-violations-in-moldova-election/512528.html

So, Moldovans may have had Russia influence the election as well as European Union supporters that misled some in it.

The line that perhaps was most telling of the two Moldovan articles was the following:

Igor Botan, a Moldovan political scientist, says that for most voters the elections represented a strategic choice between “pro-European crooks and pro-Russian crooks”.

Radio Free Europe reported:

Moldova’s pro-European ruling coalition has entered into talks to reassemble itself following the country’s November 30 legislative elections, in which the three right-liberal parties won an estimated 54 mandates in the 101-seat parliament. But leaders must reckon with the fact that their parties polled significantly weaker than in 2009 — while the openly pro-Russian Socialist Party emerged as the strongest single party with a surprising 20.93 percent of the vote.

In addition, turnout for the crucial election was just 56 percent, despite the clear choice offered between parties advocating the pursuit of European Union membership and those insisting on closer ties with Russia and the Moscow-led Customs Union. Many of the no-shows were disenchanted former supporters of the West-leaning coalition. http://www.rferl.org/content/moldova-elections-analysis-whats-next/26721351.html

Anyway, Moldova has long had ties with Russia, Moldova is poor, Moldova hopes the European Union will help, and Russia hopes Moldova will decide that Russia is a better economic partner.

So what will happen?

The Bible teaches that the European Beast power will expand to the south and the east.

Notice that, in Daniel 8, the Bible prophesied that a little horn would mainly expand South and East:

9 And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. 10 And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. 12 Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. (Daniel 8:9-12).

And while the above has had a past fulfillment, this prophecy seems to be dual (compare with Daniel 11:27-39). The European Union has mainly expanded south and east of the Benelux nations Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)–which is where it initially formed. Now, approximately 500 million people are now under a new, single (though not completed united) government, called the European Union, headquartered in Brussels. Ukraine is mainly east of much of the EU–thus its geography is consistent with being part of the EU. And Moldova and Georgia are south and east, which is also consistent.

Related to the final European Beast power, the Bible also teaches it will influence the entire planet:

3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:3-8)

3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury (Revelation 18:3).

From a prophetic perspective, we appear to be seeing some separation between some of the peoples that live within the borders of Ukraine as well as Georgia and Moldova. According to Bible prophecy, those that appear to have descended from the ancient Medes will ultimately align with Russia.

This does not mean that some or all of Ukraine, Moldova, etc. will not be part of the European Union, at least for a time.

The European Union has demonstrated a history and willingness to enlarge–and it is interested in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. The U.S.A. keeps encouraging all of this, but this will not end well for the U.S.A. (cf. Daniel 11:39; Isaiah 10:5-11).

Of course, not all in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia want to be part of the European Union, some prefer to be in Russia’s upcoming Eurasian Union. Those that become disillusioned/disappointed by the EU may ultimately back out of it.

Notice also the following:

1 The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw…

17 “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them,
Who will not regard silver;
And as for gold, they will not delight in it.
18 Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces,
And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb;
Their eye will not spare children.
19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms,
The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride,
Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:1, 17-19)

11 Make the arrows bright!
Gather the shields!
The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes.
For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it,
Because it is the vengeance of the Lord,
The vengeance for His temple. (Jeremiah 51:11)

Biblically (because of prophecies involving the Medes, some of which are in Ukraine, and some in the “north and east” in Daniel 11:44), it would seem that Russia (a power of the “far north” Ezekiel 38:3,6) would be closer to at least parts of Ukraine (like some of the eastern portions of it) and possibly Moldova and Georgia in the end than many realize. (There is also a YouTube video available titled Ukraine in Prophecy?)

This will ultimately not end well for Europe:

50:41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance;
They are cruel and shall not show mercy.
Their voice shall roar like the sea;
They shall ride on horses,
Set in array, like a man for the battle,
Against you, O daughter of Babylon.

43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them,
And his hands grow feeble;
Anguish has taken hold of him,
Pangs as of a woman in childbirth…”(Jeremiah 50:41-43).

8 O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed,
Happy the one who repays you as you have served us!
9 Happy the one who takes and dashes
Your little ones against the rock! (Psalms 137:8-9)

So, in summary:

Vladmir Putin intends to keep Crimea as part of Russia.
The EU and Russia want Ukraine
The EU and Russia want Moldova
The EU and Russia want Georgia
The final European Beast power will, for a time, influence the entire world and may also have territories that it may lose.
The”kings of Medes” that may be in the areas of Crimea, Ukraine, Moldova, and/or Georgia will ultimately support Russia.
This will not end well for the daughter of Babylon that is in the process of forming in Europe.

Many events are aligning with biblical prophecy.

The good news is that Jesus will return after this and usher in the millennial kingdom of God. Until then, expect ups and downs and ups, and then ultimately major downs in Europe.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy and a video sermonette available: Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? A related sermon is titled The Millennium.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.