The Weekly Telescope

Category: Russia

  • 2025: A World in Motion—and a World on Edge

    2025: A World in Motion—and a World on Edge

    As 2025 draws to a close, it is increasingly clear that the international order is not merely changing—it is unraveling. Long-standing assumptions about security, leadership, and stability are being tested simultaneously on multiple fronts. Scripture warns that the closing years before Christ’s return would be marked by accelerating turmoil, confusion among nations, and a longing for peace that human systems cannot deliver (Matthew 24:6–8; Luke 21:25–26).

    This year’s geopolitical developments fit that biblical framework with sobering clarity.

    Ukraine, Russia, and the Fracturing of Europe

    The war between Russia and Ukraine continued through 2025 with no decisive resolution. Instead, the conflict hardened into a prolonged confrontation that reshaped Europe’s political and economic landscape.

    European nations faced sustained energy insecurity, rising defense expenditures, and increasing political fragmentation. Public fatigue over the war—combined with inflation, migration pressures, and social polarization—has weakened internal cohesion across the continent. Rather than producing unity, the crisis has exposed the limits of Europe’s ability to guarantee peace through economic integration and military alliances alone (Psalm 146:3).

    Biblically, this aligns with prophecies describing a world in which nations are “in distress” and unsure how to respond to cascading crises (Luke 21:25).

    A Strengthening Russia–India–China Axis

    While Europe struggled, 2025 saw deeper strategic coordination among Russia, China, and India. Though not a formal alliance, their growing cooperation in energy, trade, military exercises, and diplomatic positioning signals an accelerating shift away from a Western-dominated global order.

    This emerging bloc increasingly emphasizes sovereignty over values, stability over liberty, and power over principle. The Bible foretells a time when large coalitions of nations pursue their own strategic interests, often in opposition to one another, contributing to global instability rather than peace (Daniel 11; Revelation 16:12).

    America’s Transactional Turn

    Another notable development in 2025 was the continued evolution of American global leadership. The United States increasingly framed its foreign policy in transactional terms—security guarantees, trade access, and diplomatic support tied more directly to economic or strategic return.

    While this approach may appear pragmatic, it marks a departure from earlier eras when American influence was at least rhetorically linked to democratic ideals, moral leadership, and—however imperfectly—Christian ethical foundations. Scripture warns that when nations abandon righteousness as a guiding principle, their stability erodes from within (Proverbs 14:34).

    This shift also contributed to uncertainty among allies and emboldened rivals, further destabilizing the international system.

    Rising Unrest Within Nations

    Beyond wars and alliances, 2025 was marked by growing internal unrest across many countries. Economic inequality, mistrust of institutions, identity conflicts, and political polarization fueled protests, strikes, and sporadic violence. Governments increasingly struggled to maintain order without resorting to heavier surveillance or coercive measures.

    The Bible foretells such conditions: societies strained by fear, anger, and disillusionment, where people are “lovers of themselves” and distrustful of authority (2 Timothy 3:1–5). These pressures weaken nations from the inside, making them more vulnerable to external shocks and internal collapse.

    The Only Lasting Solution

    Taken together, the events of 2025 reinforce a vital biblical truth: humanity cannot secure lasting peace on its own. Military power, economic integration, and diplomatic maneuvering may delay conflict—but they cannot eliminate it. The worsening of world conditions should not surprise Christians; Christ Himself said these trends would intensify as the end of the age approaches (Matthew 24:8).

    Rather than yielding to fear or political despair, God’s people are called to a different response—to watch, to pray, and to look forward with hope. We are exhorted to pray earnestly for the coming of God’s Kingdom, the only government capable of bringing true justice, peace, and security to all nations (Matthew 6:10; Isaiah 9:6–7).

    As 2025 reminds us yet again, the solution to the world’s problems will not arise from shifting alliances or stronger armies—but from the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of God’s righteous rule over the whole earth.

  • Leadership, War, and the Hand of God: What Ukraine and Russia Are Teaching Europe

    Leadership, War, and the Hand of God: What Ukraine and Russia Are Teaching Europe

    History rarely turns on a single battle. More often, it turns on leadership—how power is exercised, how truth is handled, and how people are motivated when the cost becomes unbearable. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is a vivid example. While weapons, manpower, and alliances matter greatly, the leadership styles of the two presidents involved are shaping the direction of this conflict in ways that may reach far beyond Eastern Europe.

    This is not merely a geopolitical struggle. It is a reminder that God rules in the affairs of men (Daniel 4:17), raising up leaders—wise or foolish, strong or weak—to accomplish His purposes.

    Two leaders, two radically different approaches

    On one side stands Vladimir Putin, a leader who governs through centralization, control, and fear. Power flows upward. Information flows downward—filtered, curated, and often softened to avoid displeasing the top. Loyalty is prized more than candor. This style has served Putin well in consolidating political power over decades.

    On the other side is Volodymyr Zelensky, whose leadership has evolved dramatically under fire. His approach is more distributed. He relies heavily on professional military advice, encourages honest feedback, and communicates openly with both his people and Ukraine’s allies. His authority rests less on fear and more on legitimacy and shared purpose.

    These differences do not determine who will “win” the war—but they strongly influence how the war unfolds.

    Leadership shapes direction, not destiny

    Wars are not decided by leadership style alone. Geography, industrial capacity, alliances, and sheer numbers still matter. Russia has greater manpower and resources, and it remains possible—even likely—that it will emerge from this war with some territorial gains.

    Yet leadership influences critical factors that accumulate over time:

    • Learning speed: Systems that punish bad news adapt slowly. Systems that tolerate honesty adjust faster.
    • Morale and endurance: Fear can compel obedience, but meaning sustains sacrifice.
    • Alliance management: Transparency builds trust; opacity erodes it.

    Ukraine’s resilience—its refusal to collapse under pressure—has surprised much of the world. That resilience is not accidental. It flows from a leadership style that rewards initiative, accepts responsibility, and shares risk with the population.

    Russia, by contrast, has relied on coercion and narrative control. That approach can sustain effort—but it struggles to correct mistakes quickly. Over long wars, such rigidity becomes costly.

    God’s hand over national leadership

    Scripture reminds us that God both appoints and removes leaders:

    “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:21).

    This applies not only to righteous rulers, but also to flawed and even oppressive ones. God used Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, and others—each very different in character—to accomplish His will.

    The contrast between Putin and Zelensky should not be viewed merely as democracy versus authoritarianism, or good versus evil in simplistic terms. Rather, it is another reminder that God allows leadership styles to expose national strengths and weaknesses, often preparing the stage for larger events yet to come.

    Ukraine’s influence on Europe’s future

    Regardless of how the war ends territorially, Ukraine has already changed Europe.

    Its steadfastness has:

    • Ended decades of European complacency
    • Reawakened military preparedness
    • Hardened attitudes toward coercion and appeasement

    Europe is moving—slowly but unmistakably—toward a more unified and force-ready posture. This matters prophetically.

    Bible prophecy indicates that a powerful leader will arise in Europe, one who will dominate the world scene for a short but intense period (Daniel 11; Revelation 13). This leader will not be timid. He will act decisively, militarily, and without the restraint that has characterized post–World War II Europe.

    Ukraine’s resistance may well shape the environment that produces such a leader—one forged in a Europe that has learned, painfully, that peace cannot rest on wishful thinking alone.

    A sobering prophetic possibility

    It is striking that biblical prophecy suggests a future European power that will not fear confrontation with Russia, even to the point of invasion when it serves his purposes (Daniel 11:44). While Scripture does not give all details, it does show that geopolitical power shifts dramatically at the end of this age.

    The current war does not fulfill these prophecies outright—but it conditions minds and institutions. It teaches Europe to think in terms of force, resolve, and preemptive action. Leadership styles matter here. Ukraine’s example reinforces the idea that survival favors decisiveness, unity, and readiness to act.

    Trajectory

    Leadership does not decide wars by itself—but it sets their trajectory. Putin’s style has produced endurance through control. Zelensky’s has produced resilience through shared purpose. Both are being used—knowingly or unknowingly—within God’s greater plan.

    For students of prophecy, this war is not just about borders. It is about preparation—of nations, leaders, and peoples—for events that Scripture tells us are coming.

    As Christ Himself warned, “See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass” (Matthew 24:6).

    The task of God’s people is not fear, but understanding—and faith in the One who truly governs the nations.

  • The Rise of an Eastern Bloc: Russia, China, India—and a Biblical Warning to the World

    The Rise of an Eastern Bloc: Russia, China, India—and a Biblical Warning to the World

    In recent years, the world has watched a quiet but profound shift taking place across Eurasia. Once separated by ideology, suspicion, and historic rivalries, Russia, China, and India are now moving into deeper military, economic, and strategic alignment. What once appeared as limited cooperation is rapidly taking the shape of something far more consequential—the early framework of a powerful Eastern military and economic bloc that is reshaping global security.

    Just this week, China and Russia conducted joint anti-missile defense drills on Russian territory—a highly sensitive area of military cooperation. Anti-missile systems are not ordinary battlefield tools; they are designed for strategic nuclear survival. These exercises reveal that Moscow and Beijing are not merely partners of convenience—they are preparing together for high-end warfare against advanced military powers.

    At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a major state visit to India, where he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to expand cooperation in defense, energy, trade, and high technology. Russia reaffirmed its commitment to supply India with uninterrupted oil and gas, deepen military equipment transfers, and accelerate joint weapons development. These agreements further solidify Russia as India’s primary long-term strategic partner, even as pressure mounts from Western nations.

    Together, these two developments—strategic missile defense coordination between China and Russia and Russia’s expanding economic-military commitments with India—signal the tightening of an enormous Eastern alignment. Russia now sits at the center of two massive Asian powers, binding them through energy, weapons, diplomacy, and shared opposition to Western dominance.

    This alignment is no longer theoretical. It now influences:

    • Global energy markets
    • Arms production and weapons supply
    • Trade corridors across Eurasia
    • Cyber and space warfare capabilities
    • Diplomatic voting blocs in international institutions

    And most sobering of all—it aligns precisely with a military configuration foretold in Bible prophecy thousands of years ago.

    A Prophetic Eastern Power Foretold

    The book of Revelation describes a time just before the return of Jesus Christ when an enormous military force will rise from the East:

    “Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice… saying… ‘Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.’ … And the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.” (Revelation 9:13, 16)

    This army unleashes a catastrophic war that results in the death of one-third of all humanity:

    “By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.” (Revelation 9:18)

    For centuries, critics dismissed this as symbolic or impossible. No nation in all of history could field such numbers. But today, China alone possesses the industrial and manpower base necessary for mass-mobilization on an unprecedented scale. Add to that India’s population, Russia’s nuclear arsenal and missile systems, and the combined military technology of these powers—and suddenly a 200-million-man force is no longer unthinkable.

    What we are witnessing today is likely the early geopolitical scaffolding of that very army.

    A Western Invasion Triggers the Eastern Response

    Revelation reveals that this massive Eastern force does not strike first. It is a retaliatory power, responding to earlier devastation launched from the West:

    “They were given power… to torment men five months… The shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for battle… and their sound was like chariots with many horses running into battle.” (Revelation 9:5–9)

    This describes a technologically overwhelming assault—symbolized by aircraft-like weapons—coming from a revived imperial power historically associated with Rome. This suggests that a future Western-centered empire will unleash devastating attacks that destabilize the world, triggering the colossal Eastern retaliation described later in Revelation 9.

    Thus, the coming world war is not random. It unfolds in distinct prophetic phases—first Western domination, then Eastern vengeance.

    Not Just Geopolitics—But Divine Judgment

    These wars are not merely the product of nationalism, economics, or ideology. They are allowed by God as a final intervention in human self-destruction.

    After the devastation of Revelation 9, Scripture declares:

    “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands…” (Revelation 9:20)

    God permits these horrors for one overriding reason: to shock humanity out of its rebellion and back toward Him. The world has rejected God’s law, exalted violence, celebrated immorality, and mocked repentance. In mercy, God allows the consequences of human defiance to play out—so that at last, people may see that human rule without God leads only to death.

    Yet even then, His goal is still salvation, not annihilation.

    Why God Delays—Even Now

    Long before these judgments arrive, God extends mercy:

    “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”  (Romans 2:4)

    God’s patience is not permission to continue in sin—it is an open door to repentance. Every year that passes without World War III is not a sign that prophecy is false. It is proof that God is still giving humanity time to change.

    But the deepening military drills, missile defenses, energy alliances, and war-ready economic blocs forming today show that the world is racing toward the very conditions the Bible warned would come.

    What This Means for Us Now

    The alignment of Russia, China, and India delivers a personal message to every thinking observer:

    • The world is not drifting aimlessly
    • Global power is shifting exactly as prophecy declared
    • Military alliances will not bring peace
    • Economic blocs will not stop global catastrophe
    • Only the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of God’s Kingdom will finally end war

    The coming wars will be terrible beyond modern imagination. Yet they will also clear the way for the only true solution to human conflict—God’s righteous rule over all nations.

  • ASEAN’s Growing Family—and Its Coming Test in the Shadow of the East

    ASEAN’s Growing Family—and Its Coming Test in the Shadow of the East

    At this week’s 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Southeast Asian leaders made history by admitting Timor-Leste as the bloc’s 11th member. The event was hailed as proof of ASEAN’s expanding influence and its ongoing pursuit of peace and cooperation in a turbulent world. A cease-fire between Thailand and Cambodia and new trade deals with the United States further underlined ASEAN’s role as a stabilizing hub of dialogue and development.

    But beneath the celebrations lies a sober reality: ASEAN’s peace rests on a diplomatic balancing act, not on collective security. While the association’s economic agenda has propelled Southeast Asia into one of the world’s most dynamic regions, its inward-looking approach to defense leaves it vulnerable in an era of resurgent great-power rivalry.

    A Peaceful but Fragile Community

    Since its founding in 1967, ASEAN’s strength has been its ability to prevent conflict among its members. The so-called “ASEAN Way”—non-interference, consensus, and quiet diplomacy—has kept the region largely free of war for over half a century.

    Yet ASEAN was never designed to repel outside threats. It has no mutual-defense clause, no unified military command, and no mechanism to counter external coercion. When it comes to the South China Sea, for instance, the bloc prefers cautious negotiation over confrontation—even as China builds up its presence and influence in the area.

    This makes ASEAN, for all its internal stability, strategically exposed. Economically dependent on trade with both East and West, it must walk a fine line between competing powers. Should a powerful Asian coalition ever emerge—one that could project force across the region—ASEAN might find itself drawn into the orbit of that greater power rather than standing apart from it.

    The Prophetic Horizon

    Students of Bible prophecy find these developments worth watching. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John saw the rise of “the kings from the east,” whose forces would number “two hundred million” (Revelation 9:16; 16:12). Many have long understood this to refer to a great eastern bloc—perhaps involving China, Russia, and other Asian powers—that will play a decisive role in end-time events.

    If such a coalition were to take shape, the nations of Southeast Asia—peace-oriented, economically tied to the East, and lacking collective defense—could easily fall under its sway. The process may not come through invasion, but through alignment, dependency, and integration within a broader eastern framework.

    A Lesson in Where Security Truly Lies

    Scripture reminds us that “He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:21). Nations rise and fall according to God’s purpose, moving the world toward the fulfillment of His plan.

    ASEAN’s diplomacy, admirable in its pursuit of harmony, shows humanity’s longing for peace—but peace built solely on negotiation and trade remains fragile. Lasting security, the Bible teaches, comes not from neutrality or economic interdependence but from righteous leadership under God’s law:

    “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” — Isaiah 32:17 (NKJV)

    As Southeast Asia grows in prominence, its people and leaders would do well to remember that true peace will not come from east or west, but from the soon-coming Prince of Peace who will establish justice among all nations.

  • Probing the Shield: Russia’s Airspace Tests and Europe’s Future Army

    Probing the Shield: Russia’s Airspace Tests and Europe’s Future Army

    Every few weeks, headlines surface of Russian fighter jets or drones slipping—sometimes boldly, sometimes stealthily—into NATO airspace. Recently, Estonia, Poland, and other allies have sounded the alarm as Russian aircraft flew without transponders, ignored intercept signals, or even sent swarms of drones across borders.

    To the casual observer, these events seem reckless. Why would Russia risk provoking NATO, the most powerful military alliance in the world? But there is strategy here. Moscow is probing. Each incursion is a test—an attempt to measure NATO’s reflexes, to spot weaknesses, and to learn how far it can go without triggering a serious response.

    And yet, in a twist of irony, these provocations may be preparing NATO for the very conflict Russia hopes to avoid. Every incursion forces allied radars to track, interceptors to scramble, and commanders to review their rules of engagement. Every incident adds data, sharpens coordination, and strengthens air defenses along NATO’s eastern flank. Russia may think it is playing offense, but in reality it is helping its adversaries rehearse for war.

    NATO Today, Europe Tomorrow

    But what of NATO’s future? The alliance has held since 1949, yet cracks are visible. American leadership has become uncertain, swaying between strong commitments and hints of withdrawal. If the United States wavers long enough, NATO as we know it may one day fade.

    That does not mean Europe will remain undefended. On the contrary, the pressures of Russian aggression and American inconsistency may drive European states to consolidate their own defense into a new structure—a European army. Such a force would not begin from scratch. It would inherit the muscle memory that NATO’s training and Russia’s provocations are providing right now.

    A Power Foretold

    The Bible itself points to the rise of such a force. In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John describes a European-centered power that will astonish the world with its military might: “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:4).

    That prophecy speaks of a union, political and military, arising in Europe in the end times—an army that no earthly coalition could match. It is sobering to realize that today’s “tests” by Russia may be laying the groundwork for that very power. The lessons Europe learns under NATO’s umbrella will be reapplied in a future alliance, one described in Scripture as both formidable and unmatched.

    Rehearsals

    So the next time Russian jets slip into Baltic skies or drones drift over Poland, remember: these are not isolated provocations. They are rehearsals. Moscow is probing for weakness, but in doing so it is forcing Europe to harden its shield. And in the long arc of history, that shield may outlast NATO itself—emerging as something far stronger, and prophetically destined, on the world stage.