Data from U.S. military satellites show that the Ukrainian Army has begun a counter-offensive operation, said New York Times citing the U.S. officials, Paralel.Az reports.

Unnamed U.S. officials claim that U.S. military satellites have observed increased activity in Ukrainian army positions. Infrared detectors on the satellites track artillery fire and missile launches.

Earlier, Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Anna Malyar stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine had begun offensive operations in several locations. She also stated that Artyomovsk remained the focal point of military operations.