Satellite imagery shows evidence of Russian artillery attacks against the Ukrainian military, U.S. officials say

U.S. officials released satellite images Sunday
they say offer proof that Russian forces have been shelling eastern Ukraine
in a campaign to assist rebel groups fighting Ukraine’s government in Kiev.

Obama Administration officials said as early as last week that the Russians
were launching attacks in eastern Ukraine.

The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which released the
civilian-taken satellite images Sunday, said they show visual evidence that
Russia has been firing shells across the border at Ukrainian military forces.

Officials also said the images show that Russia-backed separatists have used
heavy artillery, provided by Russia, in attacks on Ukrainian forces from
inside Ukraine.

One image dated July 25–26 shows what DNI claims is “ground scarring” on the
Russian side of the border from artillery aimed at Ukrainian military units in Ukraine,
as well as the resultant ground craters on the Ukrainian side of the border:

DigitalGlobe via DNI - Multiple Rocket Launcher Strikes within Ukraine (25/26 July)

A slide from a day earlier is said to show self-propelled artillery on the Russian side
of the border oriented toward Ukraine, with impact areas near Ukrainian military units:

DigitalGlobe via DNI - Artillery Strikes Within Ukraine slide (23 July 14)

Russian officials denied on Friday allegations of involvement in eastern Ukraine,
calling it a U.S.-led “smear campaign,” the New York Times reports.

The Ukrainian military said Saturday it was poised to reclaim Donetsk, the city
at the heart of the pro-Russian insurgency, even as Russian forces numbering
around 15,000 amassed on the border, the Washington Post reports.

DigitalGlobe via DNI - Artillery Strikes within Ukraine slide (23 July 14)

[TIMES]July 27, 2014