Russia is flexing her Imperial muscles. The Russians (known as the Rus) came from the Ukraine, thus the Ukraine is historical Russia, established in the ninth century. The Duke of Kiev in AD988 adopted the Orthodox form of Christianity from the influence of the Byzantine Empire based in Constantinople. When the Tartar-Mongols invaded in the mid 13th century, many Rus (Russians) fled to the north.
Russia needs the Ukraine and Crimea – warm water ports, her navy is based in Crimea, the bulk of her oil/gas lines go through, and so on. Without the Ukraine, Russia cannot be an empire, and this is precisely what she has in mind. How do we know? Bible prophecy speaks of a time when “the prince of Rosh (Russia), Meshech and Tubal”, along with her allies, will invade the land of Israel – “into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel which had long been desolate” (Ezekiel 38). This is the time when God will take action (v18-23).
Russia, by virtue of links with the emperors of Constantinople (the last princess married the rising tribal leader of Muscovy, thus her blood-line is in the Tsars) and the Orthodox Church, will fulfil the role of the inheritor of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium). When she occupies ancient Constantinople, the prophecy of Daniel 2 will ensure its final fulfilment. The two legs, Western Rome (the modern EU) and Eastern Rome (Russia occupying Constantinople) will then unite to invade Israel. “The King of the North … shall enter the countries, overwhelm them and pass through. He shall also enter the glorious land and many countries shall be overthrown… and he shall plant the tents of his power between the seas and the glorious holy mountain (Jerusalem)” (Daniel 11:40-45).
The invasion of Israel will have a religious as well as a political intent. “All nations will be gathered against Jerusalem to battle” (Zechariah 14:2; Joel 3:2) as they attempt to wrest Jerusalem from Jewish control.
This will result in a dreadful time for Israel, and result in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to take control of his city, his land, and ultimately “the Lord shall be King over all the earth” (Zechariah 14:8).
Are you ready when the Lord comes to judge the living and the dead?