Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
70 Soldiers Killed In Russian Artillery Strike In Ukraine
Up to 70 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in a Russian artillery strike on Ukraine’s north-eastern city of Okhtyrka, several sources say.
Turkey Backs Ukraine on NATO and EU, Moves to Limit Russian Warships’ Entry to Black Sea
Initially restrained in its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Turkey shifted its stance at the weekend, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling the attack “unacceptable” and saying his country would restrict Russia warships’ entry into the Black Sea to “prevent escalation.”
U.S. reliance on Russian oil hits record high, Biden pressed to ease clampdown on U.S. energy
President Biden moved Tuesday to check Russian President Vladimir Putin’s energy leverage, releasing strategic oil reserves as U.S. petroleum imports from Russia hit a record high and frustration mounted over the administration’s domestic fossil fuel crackdown.
Ukraine’s Zelensky Urges EU: ‘Do Prove That You Are With Us”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union on Tuesday to prove that it sided with Ukraine in its war with Russia, one day after signing an official request to join the bloc.
Refugee Crisis As Belarus Joins Russian Invasion Of Ukraine
Ukrainian authorities say troops from Belarus have entered a region in northern Ukraine to join the Russian invasion of the country. A Belarusian column of some 33 units reportedly entered the area of Chernihiv on Tuesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Condemning Russia on global stage, Israel at UN says Ukraine invasion must end
Israel on Tuesday called on Russia to cease its attack on Ukraine from the stage of the UN General Assembly, taking another step closer to the US-led Western position against Moscow after initial apprehension to take sides due to fears of alienating the Kremlin.
Israeli Anti-Tank Weapons Heading to Ukraine
Israeli anti-tank weapons systems manufactured in Germany at a factory owned by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems are heading to Ukraine, according to a report by the Hebrew-language Calcalist news outlet.
Inside the United States
Russia And Putin Take Center Stage In Biden’s SOTU Address
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine took center stage at President Joe Biden’s state of the union address Tuesday, with Biden devoting the opening minutes of his speech to the issue.
US To Join European Union In Closing Off Airspace To Russian Flights, Biden Announces
President Joe Biden announced Tuesday night during his State of the Union address that the U.S. will be “closing off” its airspace to Russian flights.
Investigator urges Wisconsin to consider decertifying 2020 election, alleging malfeasance
A Republican lawyer hired to investigate the 2020 presidential election in Wisconsin released a provocative interim report on Tuesday and urged the state to consider decertifying the contest.
Appeals court sides with Navy SEALs suing over Pentagon’s vaccine mandate
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit denied a request from the U.S. Navy that would have forced a group of service members to get the coronavirus vaccine
Texas announces 60% reduction in abortions since ‘heartbeat’ law
Texas has announced a 60% reduction in abortions in the state since its September 1, 2021 implementation of a “heartbeat bill” which bans abortion from about six weeks’ gestation, the Washington Times reports.
Christian News
India: Christians jailed on false charges
Four Christians in India’s Madhya Pradesh state have been jailed on false charges of trying to forcibly convert Hindus to faith in Jesus Christ, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Anti-conversion laws in numerous Indian states are increasingly abused by Hindu nationalist extremists to imprison, assault, murder, and displace Christians in the country.
DRC: Christian trauma counselor murdered by Islamic terrorists
An Anglican Christian trauma counselor was among four civilians killed in an attack by Islamic Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists in Karuruma, eastern DR Congo on Thursday, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Algeria: Christian man imprisoned for preaching the Gospel
Protestant Christian Mohammed Derrab has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in Algeria, after being arrested for preaching the Gospel and giving out a Bible in front of his church building in January, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
70 Soldiers Killed In Russian Artillery Strike In Ukraine
Up to 70 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in a Russian artillery strike on Ukraine’s north-eastern city of Okhtyrka, several sources say.
Turkey Backs Ukraine on NATO and EU, Moves to Limit Russian Warships’ Entry to Black Sea
Initially restrained in its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Turkey shifted its stance at the weekend, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling the attack “unacceptable” and saying his country would restrict Russia warships’ entry into the Black Sea to “prevent escalation.”
U.S. reliance on Russian oil hits record high, Biden pressed to ease clampdown on U.S. energy
President Biden moved Tuesday to check Russian President Vladimir Putin’s energy leverage, releasing strategic oil reserves as U.S. petroleum imports from Russia hit a record high and frustration mounted over the administration’s domestic fossil fuel crackdown.
Ukraine’s Zelensky Urges EU: ‘Do Prove That You Are With Us”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union on Tuesday to prove that it sided with Ukraine in its war with Russia, one day after signing an official request to join the bloc.
Refugee Crisis As Belarus Joins Russian Invasion Of Ukraine
Ukrainian authorities say troops from Belarus have entered a region in northern Ukraine to join the Russian invasion of the country. A Belarusian column of some 33 units reportedly entered the area of Chernihiv on Tuesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Condemning Russia on global stage, Israel at UN says Ukraine invasion must end
Israel on Tuesday called on Russia to cease its attack on Ukraine from the stage of the UN General Assembly, taking another step closer to the US-led Western position against Moscow after initial apprehension to take sides due to fears of alienating the Kremlin.
Israeli Anti-Tank Weapons Heading to Ukraine
Israeli anti-tank weapons systems manufactured in Germany at a factory owned by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems are heading to Ukraine, according to a report by the Hebrew-language Calcalist news outlet.
Inside the United States
Russia And Putin Take Center Stage In Biden’s SOTU Address
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine took center stage at President Joe Biden’s state of the union address Tuesday, with Biden devoting the opening minutes of his speech to the issue.
US To Join European Union In Closing Off Airspace To Russian Flights, Biden Announces
President Joe Biden announced Tuesday night during his State of the Union address that the U.S. will be “closing off” its airspace to Russian flights.
Investigator urges Wisconsin to consider decertifying 2020 election, alleging malfeasance
A Republican lawyer hired to investigate the 2020 presidential election in Wisconsin released a provocative interim report on Tuesday and urged the state to consider decertifying the contest.
Appeals court sides with Navy SEALs suing over Pentagon’s vaccine mandate
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit denied a request from the U.S. Navy that would have forced a group of service members to get the coronavirus vaccine
Texas announces 60% reduction in abortions since ‘heartbeat’ law
Texas has announced a 60% reduction in abortions in the state since its September 1, 2021 implementation of a “heartbeat bill” which bans abortion from about six weeks’ gestation, the Washington Times reports.
Christian News
India: Christians jailed on false charges
Four Christians in India’s Madhya Pradesh state have been jailed on false charges of trying to forcibly convert Hindus to faith in Jesus Christ, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Anti-conversion laws in numerous Indian states are increasingly abused by Hindu nationalist extremists to imprison, assault, murder, and displace Christians in the country.
DRC: Christian trauma counselor murdered by Islamic terrorists
An Anglican Christian trauma counselor was among four civilians killed in an attack by Islamic Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists in Karuruma, eastern DR Congo on Thursday, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Algeria: Christian man imprisoned for preaching the Gospel
Protestant Christian Mohammed Derrab has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in Algeria, after being arrested for preaching the Gospel and giving out a Bible in front of his church building in January, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Around the World
Ukraine’s President Seeks No Fly-Zone As Russian Troops Encircle Capital
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the West to impose a no-fly zone for Russian aircraft over Ukraine after Moscow bombarded the country’s second-largest city Kharkiv and ceasefire talks broke off.
Russia Destroys World’s Largest Plane As Kyiv Battles Rage
Ukraine’s air force weighed its options after Russia shot down the world’s largest airplane near Kyiv as battles intensified for control of the Ukrainian capital.
Russians feel the economic pain as war grinds on with Ukraine
Russian forces pounded civilian apartments in Ukraine and the Kremlin again raised the specter of nuclear war as the first diplomatic talks since the start of Russia’s 5-day-old invasion failed to produce a cease-fire Monday and the Russian economy staggered under a slew of Western economic and financial sanctions.
Ukraine’s leader signs application to join EU as round of talks with Russia ends
An embattled Ukraine moved to solidify its bond with the West on Monday by signing an application to join the European Union, while the first round of Ukraine-Russia talks aimed at ending the fighting concluded with no immediate agreements.
Iran ‘seriously’ studying draft deal to restore nuclear accord
Iran is studying a rough draft of a deal to revive a 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers hammered out during talks in Vienna, its foreign minister said Saturday.
Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Talks Amid Heavy Fighting
Amid relentless attacks by Russian forces, negotiators for Kyiv and Moscow have begun ceasefire talks in Belarus. But expectations were not high as the Russian invasion of Ukraine entered its 5th day.
Belarus To Host Russian Nuclear Weapons As Ukraine War Escalates
As the war further escalated in Ukraine, Belarus cleared the way for the country to host Russian nuclear weapons.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russian Invasion of Ukraine Is Warning to Arab States With Ties to ‘Zionist Regime,’ Senior Hezbollah Leader Declares
As western powers have ratcheted up financial, diplomatic and military pressure on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah have been presenting Moscow’s action as a pertinent warning to those moderate Arab states willing to align with Israel and the US.
Inside the United States
Abortion Rights Bill Fails to Pass Procedural Vote in US Senate
A bill to protect the right to have an abortion in the United States died in the Senate on Monday after it failed to garner enough Republican support to pass a procedural vote.
Biden’s SCOTUS Nominee Sparks Criticism from the Right, Praise from the Left
Conservatives were sharply critical of President Joe Biden's nomination on Friday of Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace retiring Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer. Leftists, however, seemed very pleased with the selection.
New Data Shows Pfizer Vax Is Almost Useless in Preventing COVID Infection in Kids Age 5 to 11
The coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech is much less effective in preventing infection in children ages 5 to 11 years than in older adolescents or adults, according to a large new set of data collected by health officials in New York State — a finding that has deep ramifications for these children and their parents.
Christian News
Christian denominations face shortage of clergy
There is evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a shortage of clergy in a number of US Christian denominations, ADN America reports. While national data on the issue is limited, a high number of pastors resigned during the pandemic, leaving their churches without a leader.
Ukraine Christians call for prayer amid Russian invasion, “prayer is our weapon in times of war”
As Christians in Ukraine look to Jesus amid the Russian invasion launched on Thursday, the Kyiv Theological Seminary has called on believers around the world to pray for the country and for the Ukrainian church, Christian Headlines (CH) reports.
Nigeria: More Christians murdered by Islamic terrorists in Chibok, “the government has abandoned Chibok”
Three more Christians have been killed by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists in northeast Nigeria’s Chibok region, Morning Star News (MSN) report. Nigeria ranked number one in the world last year for the number of Christians murdered on account of their faith.
Laos: Villagers force Christians to leave their homes
Twelve Christians were driven out of their home by village neighbors in the Buddhist-majority Asian country of Laos, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reports. Laos ranks 26 on the US Open Doors Watch List 2022 of top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Ukraine’s President Seeks No Fly-Zone As Russian Troops Encircle Capital
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the West to impose a no-fly zone for Russian aircraft over Ukraine after Moscow bombarded the country’s second-largest city Kharkiv and ceasefire talks broke off.
Russia Destroys World’s Largest Plane As Kyiv Battles Rage
Ukraine’s air force weighed its options after Russia shot down the world’s largest airplane near Kyiv as battles intensified for control of the Ukrainian capital.
Russians feel the economic pain as war grinds on with Ukraine
Russian forces pounded civilian apartments in Ukraine and the Kremlin again raised the specter of nuclear war as the first diplomatic talks since the start of Russia’s 5-day-old invasion failed to produce a cease-fire Monday and the Russian economy staggered under a slew of Western economic and financial sanctions.
Ukraine’s leader signs application to join EU as round of talks with Russia ends
An embattled Ukraine moved to solidify its bond with the West on Monday by signing an application to join the European Union, while the first round of Ukraine-Russia talks aimed at ending the fighting concluded with no immediate agreements.
Iran ‘seriously’ studying draft deal to restore nuclear accord
Iran is studying a rough draft of a deal to revive a 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers hammered out during talks in Vienna, its foreign minister said Saturday.
Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Talks Amid Heavy Fighting
Amid relentless attacks by Russian forces, negotiators for Kyiv and Moscow have begun ceasefire talks in Belarus. But expectations were not high as the Russian invasion of Ukraine entered its 5th day.
Belarus To Host Russian Nuclear Weapons As Ukraine War Escalates
As the war further escalated in Ukraine, Belarus cleared the way for the country to host Russian nuclear weapons.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russian Invasion of Ukraine Is Warning to Arab States With Ties to ‘Zionist Regime,’ Senior Hezbollah Leader Declares
As western powers have ratcheted up financial, diplomatic and military pressure on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah have been presenting Moscow’s action as a pertinent warning to those moderate Arab states willing to align with Israel and the US.
Inside the United States
Abortion Rights Bill Fails to Pass Procedural Vote in US Senate
A bill to protect the right to have an abortion in the United States died in the Senate on Monday after it failed to garner enough Republican support to pass a procedural vote.
Biden’s SCOTUS Nominee Sparks Criticism from the Right, Praise from the Left
Conservatives were sharply critical of President Joe Biden's nomination on Friday of Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace retiring Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer. Leftists, however, seemed very pleased with the selection.
New Data Shows Pfizer Vax Is Almost Useless in Preventing COVID Infection in Kids Age 5 to 11
The coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech is much less effective in preventing infection in children ages 5 to 11 years than in older adolescents or adults, according to a large new set of data collected by health officials in New York State — a finding that has deep ramifications for these children and their parents.
Christian News
Christian denominations face shortage of clergy
There is evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a shortage of clergy in a number of US Christian denominations, ADN America reports. While national data on the issue is limited, a high number of pastors resigned during the pandemic, leaving their churches without a leader.
Ukraine Christians call for prayer amid Russian invasion, “prayer is our weapon in times of war”
As Christians in Ukraine look to Jesus amid the Russian invasion launched on Thursday, the Kyiv Theological Seminary has called on believers around the world to pray for the country and for the Ukrainian church, Christian Headlines (CH) reports.
Nigeria: More Christians murdered by Islamic terrorists in Chibok, “the government has abandoned Chibok”
Three more Christians have been killed by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists in northeast Nigeria’s Chibok region, Morning Star News (MSN) report. Nigeria ranked number one in the world last year for the number of Christians murdered on account of their faith.
Laos: Villagers force Christians to leave their homes
Twelve Christians were driven out of their home by village neighbors in the Buddhist-majority Asian country of Laos, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reports. Laos ranks 26 on the US Open Doors Watch List 2022 of top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Around the World
‘Russian Mercenaries Try Killing Ukraine’s President’
More than 400 Russian mercenaries are reportedly in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with orders from the Kremlin to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky and his government and prepare the ground for Moscow to take control.
Ukrainian President Declines US Offer To Evacuate
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has turned down an offer by the United States to be evacuated from Kyiv despite Russian forces encircling the capital.
US, EU and allies seek to cripple Russian banks and currency with new sanctions
The United States and Western allies sought to cripple Russia’s banking sector and currency Saturday with an extraordinary set of sanctions punishing Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
EU To Finance Weapons Purchases For Ukraine, Ban Russian Media
The European Union plans to take the unprecedented step of funding weapons purchases for Ukraine, EU officials said on February 27 as the bloc announced a raft of new sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
World Edges Closer To Nuclear War As Russia Puts Nuclear Forces On High Alert
The world came a step closer to nuclear warfare Sunday with Russian President Vladimir Putin ordering the military to put units that also possess nuclear weapons on high alert.
Russia Forces Enter Ukraine’s Second City; Concerns About Nuclear Sites
Ukraine says Russian troops have entered the country’s second-largest city of Kharkiv, where a gas pipeline was earlier attacked, and there was concern about nuclear radiation.
Tearful Ukrainian Refugees Enter Hungary; Prime Minister At Border
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán rushed to his nation’s border with war-torn Ukraine Saturday after warning that as many as 600,000 people may seek refuge in Hungary.
Hungary Offers To Be Site For Peace Talks
Hungary’s foreign minister says Budapest wants to host peace talks between neighboring Ukraine and Russia.
Russia Vows To Topple Ukraine’s Government
Undeterred by international sanctions and condemnation, Russia sought Friday to topple Ukraine’s democratically elected government. The announcement came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the world had abandoned Ukraine as the nation faced a full-scale Russian invasion.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel readying for 10,000 immigrants from Ukraine in coming weeks
Israel's government estimates that around 10,000 Ukrainians will immigrate to Israel in the coming weeks, government officials told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday.
Ukraine Asks Israel To Mediate In War With Russia
The embattled Ukrainian president asked Israel’s prime minister to mediate negotiations in Jerusalem between Ukraine and Russia as Russian tanks raced through Kyiv.
Inside the United States
A National Vaccine Pass Has Quietly Rolled Out – And Red States Are Getting On Board
Even as the omicron variant loosens its grip on the world, destinations continue to require travelers to show proof of vaccination. And, increasingly, a paper CDC vaccination card is not cutting it.
Key inflation gauge hit 6.1% in January, highest since 1982
An inflation gauge that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve jumped 6.1% in January compared with a year ago, the latest evidence that Americans are enduring sharp price increases that will likely worsen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
US to provide $350 million more to Ukraine
The United States has announced up to an additional $350 million to Ukraine as it fights off a Russian invasion.
Christian News
Christian Broadcaster TWR Forced To Flee Kyiv As Battles Rage, Urges Prayers
International Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio (TWR) said late Friday that its affiliate in Ukraine's capital Kyiv was "cut off from its office and studio" while battles raged between government forces and Russian troops attacking the city. In a statement to Worthy News, TWR confirmed that the local "director and staff" of its broadcasting partner initially thought they gathered safely outside Kyiv "to set up makeshift broadcast facilities in a house basement." However, "before a day had passed, our colleagues heard small-arms fire nearby. They were considering whether to relocate farther from the battlefront," TWR added.
Hungarian Tax Authorities Raid Evangelical Church
Hungary’s main opposition parties have condemned a raid by armed tax authorities of an evangelical church and its charities for the homeless and other vulnerable people.
‘Russian Mercenaries Try Killing Ukraine’s President’
More than 400 Russian mercenaries are reportedly in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with orders from the Kremlin to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky and his government and prepare the ground for Moscow to take control.
Ukrainian President Declines US Offer To Evacuate
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has turned down an offer by the United States to be evacuated from Kyiv despite Russian forces encircling the capital.
US, EU and allies seek to cripple Russian banks and currency with new sanctions
The United States and Western allies sought to cripple Russia’s banking sector and currency Saturday with an extraordinary set of sanctions punishing Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
EU To Finance Weapons Purchases For Ukraine, Ban Russian Media
The European Union plans to take the unprecedented step of funding weapons purchases for Ukraine, EU officials said on February 27 as the bloc announced a raft of new sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
World Edges Closer To Nuclear War As Russia Puts Nuclear Forces On High Alert
The world came a step closer to nuclear warfare Sunday with Russian President Vladimir Putin ordering the military to put units that also possess nuclear weapons on high alert.
Russia Forces Enter Ukraine’s Second City; Concerns About Nuclear Sites
Ukraine says Russian troops have entered the country’s second-largest city of Kharkiv, where a gas pipeline was earlier attacked, and there was concern about nuclear radiation.
Tearful Ukrainian Refugees Enter Hungary; Prime Minister At Border
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán rushed to his nation’s border with war-torn Ukraine Saturday after warning that as many as 600,000 people may seek refuge in Hungary.
Hungary Offers To Be Site For Peace Talks
Hungary’s foreign minister says Budapest wants to host peace talks between neighboring Ukraine and Russia.
Russia Vows To Topple Ukraine’s Government
Undeterred by international sanctions and condemnation, Russia sought Friday to topple Ukraine’s democratically elected government. The announcement came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the world had abandoned Ukraine as the nation faced a full-scale Russian invasion.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel readying for 10,000 immigrants from Ukraine in coming weeks
Israel's government estimates that around 10,000 Ukrainians will immigrate to Israel in the coming weeks, government officials told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday.
Ukraine Asks Israel To Mediate In War With Russia
The embattled Ukrainian president asked Israel’s prime minister to mediate negotiations in Jerusalem between Ukraine and Russia as Russian tanks raced through Kyiv.
Inside the United States
A National Vaccine Pass Has Quietly Rolled Out – And Red States Are Getting On Board
Even as the omicron variant loosens its grip on the world, destinations continue to require travelers to show proof of vaccination. And, increasingly, a paper CDC vaccination card is not cutting it.
Key inflation gauge hit 6.1% in January, highest since 1982
An inflation gauge that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve jumped 6.1% in January compared with a year ago, the latest evidence that Americans are enduring sharp price increases that will likely worsen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
US to provide $350 million more to Ukraine
The United States has announced up to an additional $350 million to Ukraine as it fights off a Russian invasion.
Christian News
Christian Broadcaster TWR Forced To Flee Kyiv As Battles Rage, Urges Prayers
International Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio (TWR) said late Friday that its affiliate in Ukraine's capital Kyiv was "cut off from its office and studio" while battles raged between government forces and Russian troops attacking the city. In a statement to Worthy News, TWR confirmed that the local "director and staff" of its broadcasting partner initially thought they gathered safely outside Kyiv "to set up makeshift broadcast facilities in a house basement." However, "before a day had passed, our colleagues heard small-arms fire nearby. They were considering whether to relocate farther from the battlefront," TWR added.
Hungarian Tax Authorities Raid Evangelical Church
Hungary’s main opposition parties have condemned a raid by armed tax authorities of an evangelical church and its charities for the homeless and other vulnerable people.