Hi John and Doves,
Firstly - the scenario laid out in the article is NOT far-fetched. I do not believe Putin is the good guy in all the vile stuff going on but I do believe he is being provoked.
A thought came to me that I believe is important for us all to ponder. Christians are mainly operating under the Gregorian calendar. The Hebrew calendar operates differently - as we all know. I have high hopes for Tabernacles (Sukkot) and even higher hopes for Hanukkah - for good reason. Our calendars (Hannukah and Christmas) synchronise this year of 2022. I cannot rid myself of the thought that this is important. After all - we are both (Jewish people and Christians) extremely precious to our LORD.
I keep thinking of the scripture that is warning us of not drinking too much, for fear and anxiety of what is coming upon the world. Luke 21:34. See 2nd link.
The Gregorian New Year is when our two calendars fall into sync. The explicit warning in Luke 21 gives hint that our world will be in party mode (New Year) but drinking too much because we are all stressed out. The minute the clock turns to midnight on New Year - December 31st / January 1st - is the minute our two worlds are in sync. The Hebrew calendar of 5783 and the Gregorian calendar of 2023. Just something to seriously consider. I honestly believe this is important.
'Disaster awaits': Putin can cut Europe from rest of world if subsea cables not defended (msn.com)