A short drive into the countryside in spring reminds us that Ukraine is blessed with a quarter of this earth's topsoil. It is not surprising that it was known as a rich and coveted "breadbasket" of Europe.















With relics of the former collective farms scattered throughout the countryside, some farmers still struggle with old machinery on small plots of land.

However, evidence of larger operations is also present.

Still, in most towns and villages, a cow, a few goats, chickens and geese in the yards and on the streets along with neatly planted vegetable gardens are reminders that these remain important ways to bolster meager incomes in an inflationary economy.

Blossoming fruit trees and spring flowers are reminders of beauty and potential abundance.