China's exports to Russia in October rose 24.4% from a year earlier, the fastest pace since November last year, Chinese customs data showed on Thursday, as Beijing affirmed strong ties with Moscow.

Russia will gain from Trump’s pressure on Ukraine to negotiate a ceasefire but is unsure about how much he can do.

Trump, who has spoken of his good relations with President Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly said—without elaborating—that he could bring a swift end to the almost three-year conflict.

A research paper written by two of Trump’s former national security chiefs in May said the US should continue its weapons supply to Ukraine, but make the support conditional on Kyiv entering peace talks with Russia.