City Life: Cherry blossoms, magnolias come into bloom in these Ukrainian cities

Cherry blossoms are out early this spring in western Ukraine and the capital Kyiv. They are among the first flowering trees to bloom, along with magnolias, to be followed by lilac trees and chestnuts.

Bright pink, white and purple, these blossoms are a beautiful sight, but also a symbol of impermanence. In Japan, where cherry blossoms, or sakura, are ubiquitous, they are associated with mortality and graceful acceptance of one’s destiny…