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.

American agencies have assessed that China dislikes the growing partnership between Russia and North Korea. The State Department has raised the troop issue with Chinese diplomats.

Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said on Saturday that there were reports North Korean troops were preparing for combat alongside Russian forces. "We have numerous reports of North Korean soldiers preparing to participate in combat operations alongside Russian Forces,