This story was updated most recently at 11:47 a.m. ET on July 13.

SLOVIANSK, Ukraine — For the first time in months, Ukrainian residents in the eastern cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, as well as those in nearby towns, can stroll down their streets without fear.

The pro-Russian rebels who had forcefully taken over the cities months ago fled a week ago as Ukraine's government forces launched a successful offensive and regained control over the cities.

But though it may be more peaceful in the two cities now, the fighting between the rebels and Ukraine troops has created a graveyard of burned-out machinery, broken windows, destroyed buildings — all ghostly reminders of the turmoil locals have endured for months. Photographer Evgeny Feldman explores...

What the Pro-Russian Fighters Left Behind in Ukraine

Evgeny Feldman is a staff photographer for the Russian publication Novaya Gazeta.