Russian troops deliberately kill own commanding officer, Western officials say

A Russian brigade commander has been "deliberately killed" by his own troops, Western officials say.

The commanding officer of 37th Motor Rifle Brigade was hit by a vehicle, run down, and killed in a deliberate act, officials said. 

Forces News has been told the killing took place because of the "huge losses" being suffered by 37th Motor Rifle Brigade. 

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The incident is being highlighted by Western officials as a further example of how morale among Russian fighting forces in Ukraine has plummeted. 

Russia is now set to deploy a further 10 battalion tactical groups to reinforce existing battalions. 

It's understood a fifth of the existing Russian force in Ukraine is no longer combat-effective, with battalions having to join together to maintain capability. 

The new units are said to be coming from Georgia, the Eastern Military District and also from Kaliningrad. 

They are existing tactical groups, but there are questions over their combat readiness. 

Meanwhile, Forces News has been told Russian morale has been further weakened by a lack of adequate battlefield medical care, which has led to far higher fatalities than would usually be expected.