Vladimir Putin’s days as the leader of Russia are numbered. At least that is what Kremlin watchers are now proclaiming after Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin announced that Putin’s publicly-stated reasons for the war on Ukraine are false, said Russian casualties are three or four times higher than government figures, and then marched thousands of mercenaries toward Moscow to confront the government.

On the way there, Prigozhin’s Wagner mercenaries captured vital military sites in the Russian city of Rostov and dealt the Russian Air Force what may be its most devastating day since the war began, shooting down seven military aircraft and killing at least 13 Russian airmen. But when the mercenaries were 125 miles from Moscow, Prigozhin gave the order to stand down, and Putin remained in power. Analysts now insist, however, that all Putin did was buy himself a limited amount of time as a lame duck:

• “Putin has shown he can no longer maintain order among his warlords,” the Economist wrote. “He has been greatly weakened by the challenge—and in his world weakness tends to lead to further instability.”
• “It is unclear if we are witnessing the beginning, middle or end of Putin’s end. What is certain is that it is the final chapter of his rule,” Foreign Policy stated.
• “Mr. Putin’s hold on power is more tenuous than at any time since he took office more than two decades ago,” wrote the New York Times.
• “The Russian government’s lies have been exposed by one of President Putin’s own henchmen,” British Foreign Minister James Cleverly stated. “Prigozhin’s rebellion is an unprecedented challenge to President Putin’s authority, and it is clear that cracks are emerging in the Russian support for the war.”
• “Prigozhin is now telling the truth about the military failure and the official pretext for the invasion,” said Fiona Hill, who supervised the United States’ Russia policy under President Donald Trump. “He openly says what a lot of other people are thinking.”

It is true that Putin’s attempts to conquer Ukraine have faltered and a growing number of his forces and citizens are dissatisfied with the progress. And it is clear that if everything was progressing well, the mercenaries would never have staged the mutiny or have been allowed to march as far as they did. Clearly, it’s not all vodka and roses for Putin.

But despite the challenges he’s facing, the Trumpet believes he will survive the current turmoil and prevail. This is because of teachings of the Holy Bible.

While some may dismiss such a statement, it is worth considering the Bible’s track record in accurately predicting major historic events. The scriptures foretold the rise and fall of various empires such as Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. And then these kingdoms emerged and declined just as the Bible had prophesied.

In the case of the Greco-Macedonian Empire, the Bible even predicted the significant role played by one certain individual: Alexander the Great. The book of Daniel, written about 200 years before Alexander’s birth, described his rule, stunning conquests and sudden death. Alexander himself was shown these scriptures and believed that he had fulfilled the prophecies. This event was recorded by the first-century historian Josephus when Alexander visited Jerusalem and met with the high priest. “And when the book of Daniel was shewed him, wherein Daniel declared that one of the Greeks should destroy the empire of the Persians, he [Alexander] supposed that himself was the person intended; and as he was then glad, he dismissed the multitude for the present …” (Antiquities of the Jews, 11.8.5).

Alexander the Great is not the only giant of history whose life and impact was foretold in the pages of the Bible. Other individuals, such as King Cyrus of Persia and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill were also prophesied to appear long before their time. And there is another important individual whose appearance was also foretold in the Scriptures: Vladimir Putin.

Around the year a.d. 90, the Apostle John recorded a prophecy describing an army of 200 million soldiers, which is a force far larger than any ever assembled in human history (Revelation 9:16). Other passages give key details about this massive force. Revelation 16:12 calls it “the kings of the east,” showing it to be a coalition of multiple Asian countries. Daniel 11:44 and 12:1 make plain that this alliance will be one of the primary belligerents in a nuclear World War iii. And Ezekiel 38 reveals that this coalition will have one lead country—and one man—at the helm.

“And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, ‘Son of man, set thy face unto Gog, of the land of Magog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy concerning him” (verses 1-2; King James Version and Young’s Literal Translation). Rosh was the ancient name of Russia, once called Rus, a point that is recognized by commentaries such as the Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary.

Ezekiel 38 goes on to detail the conquests of the mighty force led by this “prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal.” It also discusses the army’s eventual defeat. So, who is this potent prince? In the September 2014 Trumpet, editor in chief Gerald Flurry wrote:

I strongly believe Vladimir Putin is going to lead the 200 million-man army. Just look at the power he already has.

Can you think of any other Russian politician who could become so powerful and have the will to lead Russia into the crisis of crises? I see nobody else on the horizon who could do that. And only a tiny few years remain for the prince of Rosh to appear! …

This much is absolutely certain: The restoring of Russia’s power by Vladimir Putin—the prince of Russia—was prophesied! He has already solidly allied Russia with China. The prophecy about the prince of Russia includes that main alliance. …

The only question is whether or not Putin personally finishes the entire prophecy.

By the time Mr. Flurry wrote The Prophesied ‘Prince of Russia’ in 2017, he removed all doubt from his stance, asserting with certainty that Putin would personally fulfill this role.

His track record, his nationality and his ideology show that he is fulfilling a linchpin Bible prophecy. The time frame of his rule also shows that nobody else could be fulfilling the Ezekiel 38 and 39 prophecy. …

We need to watch Vladimir Putin closely. He is the “prince of Rosh” whom God inspired Ezekiel to write about 2,500 years ago!

Since the Trumpet has this view of Putin’s key role in end-time prophecy, we do not agree with those who claim his demise is imminent. We believe he will not be ousted by Yevgeny Prigozhin or any other person. In fact, the mutiny may even prompt the “prince of Russia” to enter a new phase of ruthless conquest, both inside Russia and in its periphery.

It is clear that the future for Russia, Ukraine and the world is growing darker. But Mr. Flurry says the fact that this “prince of Russia” is now in power shows that the most hope-filled event in mankind’s history is now near. “Vladimir Putin is a sign, literally a sign, that Jesus Christ is about to return!” he writes in his booklet. “This is one of the most inspiring messages in the Bible. What we are seeing in Russia ultimately leads to the transition from man ruling man to God ruling man!”

To understand more, order your free copy of The Prophesied ‘Prince of Russia.’