The West's relationship with Russia has been steadily declining for the past several years. The brief respite both sides had from the Cold War has been replaced with a new competition that has Russia as the envious brother who is constantly trying to show up his more accomplished sibling.

The two main sources of tension are Russia 's military saber-rattling and the Kremlin turning back the clock on political reforms.

Just this past week, Russia said it would have to adjust its military strategies if the United States deploys missile defense systems in eastern Europe. Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said the strategic balance was at risk and it's important for Russia's national defense ministry to beef up military readiness and develop strategic nuclear forces. The General also noted that Russia did not intend to threaten other countries by sending its strategic bombers to resume long-range patrol over the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans.

I reported several times on a mountain of evidence showing how democracy in Russia is on the ropes. In recent days, Russia has clamped down on Human Rights Watch, refusing its executive director, Kenneth Roth, a visa to travel to Moscow following a 72-page report on Russia 's suppression of free speech.

Kosovo was another source of conflict with the West. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, which is a traditional ally of Russia. Moscow 's envoy to NATO warned that Russia may have to rely on "brute military force" to earn respect on the world scene if all EU nations recognize Kosovo's independence and NATO oversteps its authority in Kosovo.

There is even tension in space. A successful missile strike on a rogue US spy satellite has been labeled by Russia as an attempt to militarize space and test an anti-satellite weapon. When I saw the satellite vaporize on CNN, I knew there would be the gritting of teeth in Moscow.

Not all the conflict has been with the U.S. and Europe. Russia even has strife with North Korea. This weekend, a Russian cargo ship was detained and boarded by armed coast guard agents in North Korean waters. The Lida Demesh, carrying a consignment of cars from Japan, was heading for the Russian port of Vladivostok when it was stopped by patrol near Cape Musudan. No reason was given for the search, but Russian sources said the ship may have gone too close to a missile test site.

Even the seemingly peaceful world of computer nerds has been unsettled by Russia. For the second time in a week, Russia has been named and shamed for its rising profile as a global malware hub. According to PC Tools, Russia now occupies the top spot as the source of viruses, Trojans and spyware. Most experts don't see Russia as actively trying to infect the rest of the world with malware. If there is a sin here, it is from a disregard of international responsibility.

All this tension that Moscow has with the rest of the world plays right into the end-time scenario. Russia wants to prove that it’s still a major world power, and the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 and 39 seems to point to a national leader who seeks to gain glory for the land of the far north.

In the past few years, Rapture Ready has been closely tracking the career of Vladimir Putin. He seems to be a perfect match for the Gog leader. One of the biggest factors that makes him stand out is how demonic delusion has blinded most people from realizing how much of a dictatorial ruler Putin has become.

Shortly before parliamentary elections, foremen fanned out across factories, pulling aside assembly-line workers and giving them an order: vote for President Vladimir Putin’s party or else. They were instructed to phone in after they left their polling places. Names would be tallied, defiance punished. Children were pressed into service. At schools, teachers handed out pamphlets promoting “Putin’s Plan” and told kids to lobby their parents. Some were threatened with bad grades if they failed to ensure that their parents would show up and vote for the ruling party. I don’t think Soviet communist leaders ever tried any stunts this bold.

Right now, the only thing needed is a crisis that will spark the Gog invasion. With most of the Arab land that surrounds Israel identified in some ways as an ally of Russia, I doubt it will be long before the Great Bear gets the call to come hither.

"And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel , as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes" (Ezek. 38:15-16).