The below is from today's BBC News website live feed. Does this further confirm the Russian military is struggling?
Posted at 8:44
Putin welcomes volunteers to help fight in Ukraine
We're now hearing Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed plans to send volunteer fighters to Ukraine.
Putin, speaking at a Russian security council meeting, said those who wanted to volunteer to fight with Russia-backed forces should be allowed to.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said there were 16,000 volunteers in the Middle East who were ready to come to fight with Russia-backed forces, Reuters news agency reports.