Russian military exercise in Baltic targetting NATO; South Ossetia enters treaty with Russia

Russia Baltic Fleet Missile Ships (Luis Díaz-Bedia Astor)

In a counter move to NATO, Russia is also conducting military exercises in the Baltics. The West is concerned, whereas Russia expresses its concerns about the West as the two sources below confirm:

March 19, 2015

Russian military exercises, the latest in a series across the country, have taken on a threatening posture. While the most recent installment is not the largest exercise Russia has conducted, the areas involved and the forces included seem to have been deliberately chosen to send a warning to NATO; the exercise itself seems to simulate a full-scale confrontation with NATO through the forward deployment of nuclear armed submarines, theater ballistic missiles and strategic bomber aircraft. Strategic weapon systems, including assets that are part of Russia’s nuclear capabilities, have also been deployed to locations near NATO’s borders. …

The large geographic area this drill covers places it outside the usual pattern of other snap exercises conducted by Russia. It also puts it in the same areas where NATO has been conducting its exercises, including in the Baltics, Romania and Hungary. NATO’s most notable drills have been conducted under the U.S. Operation Atlantic Resolve, which has seen the rotation of a brigade-sized U.S. Army force and the arrival of armor and helicopters to support that deployment. Russia has noted increased U.S. surveillance flights over the Baltics and the expanded Baltic air policing operation that NATO conducts there. https://www.stratfor.com/analysis/russia-targets-nato-military-exercises

March 19, 2015

Russia is getting ready to counteract and repel land-sea-air military aggression on its western, northern, southern and eastern borders simultaneously, as massive drills of all military branches are underway across Russia.

Motorized infantry, combat aviation and Spetznaz troops have been put on alert in all nine time zones of the Russian Federation, including the Volga region, Urals, Western Siberia, the Far East region and the Pacific, the North Caucasus and along the borders of NATO member states from the Arctic through to the Baltic and Black Sea. …

The ongoing military drills are taking place concurrently with US military exercises in the Baltic region and NATO naval drills in the Black Sea.

Russia has notified the countries of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) of the Northern Fleet exercises that are happening March 16-21, Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov announced…

More than 20 ships of the Russia’s Baltic Fleet are out at sea conducting defense drills, the Russian Western Military District’s press service announced on Wednesday. The ships, deployed in several tactical groups, are performing artillery, anti-submarine and air defense exercises. …

The Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday that Russian marines from Temryuk in south Russia’s Krasnodar region have been put on full combat readiness and are training next to the Kerch Strait connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. http://rt.com/news/241745-russia-offensive-defense-drills/

Essentially, NATO is conducting exercises in the Baltics that it basically contends are to protect against Russia, whereas Russia is conducting what it contends are defensive exercises against NATO.

There has been an escalation of rhetoric from the West and Russia concerning the militaristic actions of both sides. Here is more from the a western perspective:

March 19, 2015

Could Russia conflict ‘move beyond Ukraine’?

A massive show of force by the Russian military on the anniversary of its disputed annexation of Crimea has raised questions about Moscow’s defiance over eastern Ukraine, and led to concerns that President Putin could be seeking more “foreign distractions.”

With rising domestic problems in Russia and the prospect of more sanctions looming, the likelihood of further foreign “provocations” by Russian President Vladimir Putin have increased, according to a closely-watched political analyst.

“Rising domestic socioeconomic stresses in Russia – caused by dwindling oil revenues and the impact of Western sanctions – will fuel President Putin’s anti-western rhetoric and increase the likelihood of him seeking foreign ‘distractions’,” Alastair Newton, senior political analyst at Nomura, said in a note Wednesday.

“We therefore expect Russian provocations in its ‘near abroad’ to continue, including in NATO territory, short of an outright ‘land grab’.”

The comments come a year after Russia’s formal annexation of Crimea – an event that Moscow called Crimea’s “reunification”– and as Western leaders contemplate extending sanctions on Russia in order to ensure it abides by a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

But although Putin admitted on Wednesday that the sanctions were damaging, he appeared defiant over Crimea and Ukraine, indicating that there is little appetite in Russia to back down over its apparent drive to reclaim territories lost after the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.

“Even if the situation in eastern Ukraine remains relatively calm…we believe he has plenty of other neighborhood options available,” Newton said in his report, entitled “Russia: Red Storm reviving.”

“The recent launch of military exercises involving disputed territories such as Crimea, Abkhazia and South Ossetia is an indicator of this, sending further warning signs to neighbors and the West alike.” http://www.cnbc.com/id/102518653#.

Russia annexed Crimea last year and just made a deal with South Ossetia yesterday:

March 18, 2015

MOSCOW—Russia signed a treaty with the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia on Wednesday that seals almost full integration, raising pressure on an ex-Soviet neighbor that has sought closer ties with the West.

The European Union warned that the move could threaten regional security, and Georgia has said it could be a potential prelude to full annexation of the territory.

Moscow has essentially controlled South Ossetia and the neighboring breakaway territory of Abkhazia since it defeated Georgia’s army there in a brief war in 2008. Russia recognized the impoverished territories as independent states and handed their governments millions in subsidies, but stopped short of full annexation. Only a handful of countries have recognized South Ossetia, a tiny region of some 50,000 people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and South Ossetia’s President Leonid Tibilov signed the treaty at the Kremlin as thousands gathered in Moscow’s streets to celebrate the anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Speaking in front of reporters before their meeting, Mr. Tibilov described Russia as “the only guarantor for our people, for our republic,” and thanked Mr. Putin “for everything that you do for us.” http://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-tightens-control-over-breakaway-georgian-region-of-south-ossetia-1426688743

I have been reporting about the situation in South Ossetia since 2008. The last time was a couple of month ago, Russia (see EU and Russia announce Ukrainian deal, while Russia looks at absorbing South Ossetia). This is part of Vladimir Putin’s plan.

Vladimir Putin has called the breakup of the old Soviet Union the biggest disaster of the late 20th century. He wants all territories controlled by the old Soviet Union back. And while he will not, for example, get East Germany back, he is intent on getting more of Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and eastern Europe. He wants all part of Russia or at least part of his Eurasian Union.

Speaking of East Germany, notice the following:

Is Germany cozying up to Russia?

March 18, 2015

As everyone now knows, Russia is slowly invading and annexing parts of Ukraine, which could have very serious ramifications in terms of the West’s credibility in protecting smaller states from the orbit of authoritarian tyrannies like Putin’s Russia.

Now, Russia keeps pretending that the whole Ukraine fiasco is an internal affair started by rebels, and that Russia itself has no involvement. … No one believes Russia. … Except that maybe Germany believes Russia.

Last week, Germany became the only noteworthy country besides Russia to disagree with the U.S. government over the extent of Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. More broadly, Germany has been striking a more dovish tone than the rest of the EU and the U.S. about Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, even as Chancellor Angela Merkel calls on the EU to keep the sanctions pressure on Russia. http://theweek.com/articles/544692/germany-cozying-russia

As it turns out, Angela Merkel was born in East Germany. So, why then might Germany cozy up to Russia? The above article continues with its views:

Angela Merkel, who is sincerely pro-European, had hitherto struck a less pro-Russia tone as chancellor.

So what has changed?

First, her government’s decision to abandon nuclear power has made Germany more dependent on natural gas imports, and therefore on Russia.

Second, it is increasingly clear to all involved that nobody can trust the U.S. After all, the Obama administration has still basically not outlined a strategy for how to deal with the Ukraine situation. Why would Germany spend political capital facing off against Russia when there is no plan to muscle Russia out of Ukraine, and no true political will to see it done?

Third, and perhaps most importantly, Germany will keep its attention focused on Europe only when it is wedded to France. It is the French-German “couple” that has been the engine of the European Union. … François Hollande’s … lack of vision and his country’s general economic malaise have prevented France from taking any kind of leadership role, either in Ukraine or in the EU at large (which has also been a major source of aggravation of the Euro crisis).

Right now, Germany feels that it is alone to deal with Europe’s many problems, and that if it has to cut some slack to Russia on Ukraine to have space to deal with its other problems, then so be it. http://theweek.com/articles/544692/germany-cozying-russia

I should add that Angela Merkel still may push to keep/expand sanctions against Russia, but she still wants to deal with it.

Germany cut deals with Russia prior to World War II. It is also an absolutely sure thing to consider that Germany will cut deals before what could be called World War III (see also World War III: Steps in Progress)–the destruction of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies by a European led force led by one called the King of the North (Daniel 11:39) with direct involvement (cf. Psalm 83:3-8) from a confederation that will include nations in the Middle East and North Africa, led by one the called the King of the South (Daniel 11:27, 11:40-43).

While some have improperly concluded that Russia is the prophesied “king of the North” of Daniel 11, that is not the case. Russia is NOT biblically the power that is prophesied to takeover the UK and the USA–Europe is (cf. Daniel 11:39). Later, however, Russia prophesied to destroy Europe (e.g. Jeremiah 51:11-32)–but this is AFTER the great tribulation. However, because the UK and USA are concerned about the military of Russia (as well as China), they are often preparing to defend against a power that will not destroy them–Europe will.

Contrary to the beliefs of some Protestant prophecy watchers, let me add here that Ezekiel 38 is for the distant future, and that Russia is not about to have a massive invasion of the Middle East–Ezekiel 38 does not get fulfilled until right at/after the millennium (cf. Revelation 20:7-9).

Of course now, we will see conflicts and rumors of conflict (cf. Matthew 24:4-8).

Russia is a military threat to several parts of the world. While ultimately it will destroy much of Europe, that will not happen until towards the end of the ‘Day of the Lord.’ An event over seven years in the future from now (see When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? The ‘Day of the Lord’?).

Until then, Russia will attempt to gain whatever territories it feels it can, try to make deals with the Asians and the Europeans, and bide its time. Although Russia will become a massive threat to Europe, its current actions will mainly serve to propel Europe to militarize itself.

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?
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?
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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future 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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
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?
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.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
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.