During a recent announcement in which Russian state television revealed that Russia is developing a new hypersonic missile, several U.S. cities and military facilities were identified as targets. It was stated that the new “Tsirkon” hypersonic missiles would be placed on Russian submarines and could reach these targets inside the U.S. in less than five minutes! This report was delivered only days after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was militarily ready to carry out a “Cuban Missile”- style crisis if the United States wanted one. Putin had also recently issued a public warning to the U.S. regarding America’s plans to withdraw from a 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty and send anti-missile systems to our European allies along the Russian border. Putin also accused the U.S. of planning to develop intermediate-range missiles to equip our allies.

Targets Shown on U.S. Map

During the televised report, Dmitry Kiselyov, presenter of Russia’s main weekly TV news show ‘Vesti Nedeli’, showed a map of the United States and identified several targets he said Moscow would want to hit in the event of a nuclear war. The targets, which Kiselyov described as U.S. presidential or military command centers, also included Fort Ritchie, a military training center in Maryland closed in 1998, McClellan, a U.S. Air Force base in California closed in 2001, and Jim Creek, a naval communications base in Washington state. In a dire tone, Kiselyov noted, “For now, we’re not threatening anyone, but if such a deployment takes place, our response will be instant.” The Pentagon responded by saying that Putin’s threats only help to unite NATO. Eric Pahon, a Pentagon spokesman, said, “Every time Putin issues these bombastic threats and touts his new doomsday devices, he should know he only deepens NATO’s resolve to work together to ensure our collective security.”

Relevant Scripture Passages

It is virtually impossible to contemplate such military threats without remembering the words of Jesus indicating that wars and rumors of wars will increase as the end times draw closer (Matthew 24:6; Mark 13:7). Doubtlessly, many would consider the threats recently issued on Russian television as a rumor of war! Considering the nuclear option involved with modern warfare we must also be aware that many Bible passages seem to describe the tragic circumstances associated with such devastating weaponry (2 Peter 3:10-11; Revelation 18:10). As with any rumor of war, we must be concerned but especially when two super-powers such as the U.S. and Russia are involved. The Bible teaches that at least one final war will take place as the end times approach that will kill one-third of the entire population of the world! Frighteningly, a war between the U.S. and Russia could fulfill that dire prophecy. As such, let us be in prayer over this situation.

Pray: Pray that the political disputes and tensions between the U.S. and Russia will not continue to escalate and result in war. Pray that God would continue to protect the United States and that we would turn again to Him in a national revival.