As news broke on Friday regarding the coup attempt on the Russian government by the Wagner Group, several things just didn’t make sense. First, the Wagner Group was well-known as a mercenary arm of the Russian military. In fact, they have done a lion’s share of heavy duty in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Secondly, Commander Yevgeny Prigozhin has long been known as a Putin strongman who knows him well and has coordinated strategies with the Russian czar.

According to reports, Prigozhin launched the coup attempt after the Russian Army, under the order of Russia’s Defense Minister, shelled a Wagner camp on the Ukrainian side of the border. However, reports indicate many Wagner fighters had said their goodbyes to family, suggesting the coup was planned ahead of time.

Furthermore, the Wagner Group seemed to be shooting Russian aircraft out of the skies and advancing on Moscow with little opposition when, suddenly, they stopped, turned around, and as quickly as it started, the coup attempt was over.

BTW, no one in their right mind double-crosses Vladimir Putin without spending the rest of their life watching over their shoulder! Consistently, those who cross Putin “mysteriously” die or disappear.

Too many illogical things to believe that what we saw reported on the news is the whole story. We may never know answers to the questions, but here are a few that are circulating:

• Is it possible Putin and Prigozhin were in cahoots? Many Russian soldiers crossed over to fight with the Wagner Group. Was this a way for Putin to identify who is with him and who isn’t?
• Life has little value to either Putin or Prigozhin. Were they both willing for hundreds to lose their lives in this “coup attempt” in order to accomplish their purpose?
• Will Prigozhin “pay a price,” or will Putin allow him to disappear in Belarus, where he might conceivably lead pro-Russia forces in the ongoing war with Ukraine?
• Did Putin get what he wanted (greater power and a military who is now fully committed to him), or will Prigozhin become a thorn in the side of Russia’s president?
• Did the US White House or State Department have anything to do with the coup attempt? A non-confirmed report indicates an offer of $6.2 billion from the CIA to Prigozhin to carry out the coup. (That report indicates Prigozhin’s agreement, but hints that he did not intend to carry out 100% of the coup. Was the US sucked into yet another ridiculous deal?)

Time may reveal some answers, but more and more this seems to be a spiritual battle as well as a geopolitical one. Personally, I’m more concerned with these questions:

• There is little argument that Putin is a power-crazed maniac longing to restore the glory of Mother Russia. As his power ramps up, how quickly will it play out in the Ezekiel 38 (War of Gog and Magog) scenario?
• Along with that, Iran supposedly offered assistance to Putin. Claiming to have saved Syria President Assad, they apparently offered the same to Putin. Meanwhile, Turkey’s President Erdogan also pledged support to Putin. The Russia-Iran-Turkey coalition named in Ezekiel 38 is already acting in coalition with one another. How close are we to fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy?
• Interestingly, Prigozhin is Jewish. As a cold-blooded killer (as evidenced by the brutality of the Wagner Group he led), it is worth asking what his attitude is regarding his Hebrew heritage. Would he be a willing participant in the Russian-led invasion of Israel? Is there significance to the fact he is now a refugee in Belarus?

When viewing world events, we are wise to avoid being caught up in news cycles, but rather search for Biblical significance. While we cannot read into Scripture what is not there, we are given the Holy Spirit to help us discern what Scripture DOES say about events in our world.

Regardless of our views and perspectives, we must remember that it always boils down to Israel. The Bible speaks very little about conflicts between nations but has plenty to say about how nations relate to Israel. Ultimately, the evil eyes of murderous regimes will turn to Israel. As we read today’s news, we are commanded to pray for the peace of Israel.

Finally, we must also remain steadfast in knowing that Jesus, our Redeemer-King, will come for us soon. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. He is in control and He is faithful!

Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

~Psalm 121:4