North Korea has sent troops to Russia to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine, the United States said Wednesday, a major escalation in the conflict that has rattled Western allies.

North Korea’s supply of munitions has already been critical to the Russian war effort. Now, there are growing fears that it is sending troops as well.

North Korea has sent 3,000 troops to Russia to support the latter's war against Ukraine, South Korean lawmakers said on Wednesday after being briefed by the national intelligence agency. The estimate is twice the previous figure.