World News for Students of English

12-11-2020 07:00

The Russian president Vladimir Putin is reportedly planning to step down early next year amid claims that he is suffering from Parkinson’s disease. However, the Kremlin has denied such claims.

A footage that is circulating in Russia shows Putin’s leg shaking while he is holding tight to a chair, which is leading to speculation over his health. The 68-year-old Russian leader recently made a public appearance at a ceremony to inaugurate a new Russian icebreaker, and he seemed in good shape.

It is not the first time when rumors about the president’s health and his alleged Parkinson’s symptoms have emerged in the country. However, this time, the claims came after Putin introduced a bill that will guarantee him lifelong legal immunity. Some analysts interpret this as a part of Putin’s retirement plan.

Difficult words: amid (during, at the same time as), speculation (guessing possible answers without having enough information to be certain), inaugurate (to make a formal beginning of something), legal immunity (a status when a person cannot be prosecuted).

You can watch the video news lower on this page.