Despite the Minsk cease-fire agreement in February of 2015, heavy fighting continues between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, leaving many people feeling abandoned.
A Photo Essay: The Survivors of War in Eastern Ukraine

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A Ukrainian soldier in an underground bunker uses spy camera equipment to observe the strategic road toward rebel-held Donetsk Airport where fighting continues. (Adam Bailes/VOA)

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Ukrainian fighters take a cigarette break near Pervomais'ke after returning from the front line. (Adam Bailes/VOA)

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A pro-government militiaman makes preflight checks before a drone reconnaissance mission into rebel-held territory. (Adam Bailes/VOA)

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A commander sits behind front line trenches 700 meters away from pro-Russian positions surrounded by the sound of heavy shelling. (Adam Bailes/VOA)