KYIV – Russia attacked cities in a wide arc across Ukraine early on Friday, from the capital, Kyiv, through central and southern regions and at least five people were killed, according to media and officials. Interfax said explosions were also reported after midnight in Dnipro, Kremenchuk and Poltava in central Ukraine and inMykolaiv in the south. Russia sees Bakhmut as a key stepping stone to other cities in eastern Ukraine, now its major military objective. It was the first time the leaders had spoken since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, saying it was necessary to protect Russia.
