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Brühl (Germany) (AFP) – French President Emmanuel Macron warns against trusting opinion polls predicting a Marine Le Pen victory in next year’s presidential election. Speaking while on a visit to Germany, Macron advises those gathered at a press conference to “beware of the polls” and “trust the French people.” Le Pen says she is still running for president despite an appeals court confirming a conviction for embezzlement.

(AFP) – Amid uneven, mud-strewn roads, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) workers struggle to deliver vital aid along the only road linking the city of Yambio to internally displaced families in Greater Mundri, South Sudan. “Most of the time, we are unable to reach many remote areas because of the road conditions, but we continue to do our best,” says UNMISS officer-in-charge Anthony Nwapa.

Arnhem (Netherlands) (AFP) – Welcome to the world of competitive Rubik’s Cube solving — “speedcubing” for insiders — where players compete in disciplines ranging from the blindfold challenge to solving cubes with oven gloves on their hands. More than a thousand competitors have come from 53 countries to the 11th European speedcubing championships in Arnhem, Netherlands. “The community is awesome,” says Kyle Renatus, a competitor and member of the World Cube Association Communication Team.

Beijing (AFP) – China accuses US President Donald Trump of “pure fabrications” after he said China had compromised US election data. “The relevant claims made by the US side are pure fabrications and malicious smears that have long since been proven to be groundless statements,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian tells a news conference.

London (AFP) – At a special conference held by the UK’s Labour Party, Andy Burnham is confirmed as its new leader, cementing his path to 10 Downing Street to become prime minister. Burnham vows that the eradification of “infighting” will “characterise” his leadership.

Cirebon (Indonesia) (AFP) – Indonesia is one of the top contributors of labour for the global fishing industry, but many, lured by promises of good wages, are vulnerable to abuse and endure months of exploitation at sea. Akhmad, 25, who left Cirebon on Indonesia’s Java island in 2022, says the work was “exhausting” and that he “saw stars”. Akhmad and Jamaludin, another fishing boat worker, say they were also made to catch shark fins, despite knowing it could be illegal, depositing them in Dakar, Senegal.

Vosketap’ (Armenia) (AFP) – In Armenia’s Ararat valley, apricots are getting swept into the centre of a geopolitical battle between Russia and the West. Angered at Yerevan’s pivot away from Moscow, the Kremlin imposed bans and restrictions on the imports of a wide range of Armenian goods, including fruits, vegetables and flowers, ahead of parliamentary elections last month.

Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Hundreds take to the streets in Kyiv to protest against the removal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, as demonstrations erupt across Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s sweeping reshuffle. Only appointed six months ago, Fedorov carved a reputation as a moderniser who tried to reform the Ukrainian military, which has seen scandals and is plagued by fatigue and manpower shortages more than four years into the Russian invasion.

Moscow (AFP) – Russia sees no “immediate prospects for a resumption of negotiations” with Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov tells reporters while commenting on Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit to Kyiv. Fidan, who met President Vladimir Putin in Russia last month, has said that Turkey is ready to host future talks.

Beijing (AFP) – China says it “firmly opposes” a sanctions bill proposed by US senators and supported by President Donald Trump that targets countries buying Russian energy. The bipartisan legislation could potentially clear the way for the United States to exert stronger pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITE

Buenos Aires (Argentina) (AFP) – Thousands of fans celebrate in Buenos Aires after Argentina beat England 2-1 to reach the World Cup final, where they will face Spain. “It’s incredible that we’re in the final two years in a row,” says supporter Valentina Estefanoli. Meanwhile in Brighton, England fans commiserate after missing out on reaching their first World Cup final in 60 years.

Bogotá (AFP) – Top ex-FARC commander Rodrigo Londono — aka Timochenko– says that “hate messages” could fuel violence, after Colombia’s president-elect vowed to jail him and unwind a key part of the country’s landmark 2016 peace deal. He says former guerrilla leaders had written to right-wing leader Abelardo de la Espriella, recognizing his recent election victory and seeking dialogue over the peace accord.