Ukraine and Russia

Under siege: Ukrainian protesters battle for freedom

No one doubts that recently deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was a puppet of Moscow.

And no one doubts that Yanukovych was an extremely bad man who deserved to be thrown out of office by the very people who he claimed to represent.

Like classic despots throughout history, Yanukovych enjoyed the high life in his palatial palace in Mezhyhirya while his people suffered in the misery of poverty, high unemployment and little hope for the future.

The Ukrainian people had the right to remove this bum. They not only wanted to be free of him, but they also wanted to be free of Moscow's rotten influence that essentially installed Yanukovych in 2010 as their president.

The citizens of Ukraine well remember what happened to their nation during the 70 years that the old Soviet Union ruled and ravaged their country with an iron fist. And they didn't want that happening again under Yanukovych who took his orders directly from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

When Yanukovych refused to allow the Ukraine to become a member of the European Union, the Ukrainian people knew who really made that decision. And they took to the streets in bloody, violent protests to demand Yanukovych's ouster.

When Yanukovych finally left, the Ukrainians celebrated as if the devil himself had been kicked out of their nation. 

Some folks with conspiracy notions believe that the CIA, under orders from the Obama Administration orchestrated the uprising through Ukrainian activist groups that galvanized the rebellion via social media. 

Certainly, anything is possible considering the chaos that ensued beginning in 2010 that swept through the Middle East and Northern Africa during the infamous Arab Spring. There was some evidence to suggest that the Obama Administration may have played a significant role in igniting that uprising. 

Regardless of whether the Obama Administration played any role in the Ukrainian revolt, the Russians aren't happy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who's never shy about sharing his opinions, strongly suggested that the influence and meddling of "western politicians" in Ukrainian "affairs" played a major role in bringing down Yanukovych. When Lavrov mentions "western politicians" you know who he's referring to.

For now, the loss of the Ukraine represents a major blow to Putin's ambitions to build his new Russian empire. But you can be sure that at some point in the future, Russia will try to reclaim that nation that it considers its own.

And you can be sure that if Putin discovers that the United States played a role in the Ukrainian uprising, there will be payback. And it could be significant. Putin views America as a nation in decline governed by leaders who are emasculating their military because they no longer want to fight wars. That's a recipe for disaster.

And biblical prophecy tells us that Russia, along with China, are two nations on the rise politically, economically and militarily. (Daniel 11) At some point in the future, they will vie for control over a world government.

For now, the Ukrainian people can celebrate their independence from Russia. But for how long?