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2024-06-19 Putin in North Korea – Learning English from the News

The story

Russian president Vladimir Putin has met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

During the visit, Kim Jong Un said he fully supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The leaders have signed a deal to help each other in case of aggression against either country.

Neil and Beth explain this news story and teach you some useful vocabulary.

News headlines

Putin’s visit to North Korea is very much a diplomatic two-fingers to the West
Sky News

Vladimir Putin’s dangerous bromance with Kim Jong Un
The Economist

China has mixed feelings about Putin’s new coziness with Kim
Le Monde

Key words and phrases

two-fingers
a rude gesture meaning go away

  • I’ve decided to give two-fingers to my neighbours and organise a very loud party.

bromance
a very friendly relationship between two men

  • Neil has a bit of a bromance with his colleague Phil. They get on so well!

mixed feelings
having positive and negative emotions about something at the same time 

  • I have mixed feelings about this book. I like the characters, but it’s too long.

BBC Learning English

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