A Step Closer to a “King of the North”?

With the apparent stalemate between Russia and Ukraine, European leaders are worried that Russia may expand its conflict with Ukraine to more of Europe; France’s minister for European Affairs recently warned that Mr. Putin intends to “threaten the whole European security architecture.” Russia’s recent drone strike on Romania has intensified Europe’s concerns (The Week, June 1, 2026). “Several European national-security officials have warned that Russia could try to test the cohesion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by targeting one of the Baltic nations, Swedish and Danish islands in the Baltic Sea or alliance territory in the Arctic” (Wall Street Journal, May 26, 2026).

A new defense agreement between the United Kingdom and Poland adds “to a growing list of bilateral European security pacts prompted by Russia’s war in Ukraine” (Politico, May 27, 2026). France is now looking to connect with Germany and the UK to produce long-range missiles (Financial Times, May 22, 2026). And the fighter jet partnership among Britain, Italy, and Japan may soon expand to involve other nations (Reuters, November 19, 2024).

These forming alliances may be laying the foundation for what Scripture reveals to be the final revival of the ancient Roman empire. That empire has historic links to central Europe, and the Bible foretells that “ten kings”—leaders of nations or regions—will surrender their sovereignty to a leader called “the beast” (Revelation 17:8–13), also referred to in prophecy as “the king of the North” (Daniel 11:5–16). Watch for a “king” or charismatic individual who will lead a European military and economic superpower. You can gain further insights into coming events in Europe by reading or listening to The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor, or Soon-Coming Reality?