This is the 4343rd most frequent Russian word.
близкими
"Близкими" means "close ones" or "loved ones" in English.
In this sentence, "близкими" is used as a noun referring to close relatives or friends.
Она говорила с близкими о своих переживаниях.
She talked with her close ones about her experiences.
Here, "близкими" functions as an adjective, describing the closeness in distance between the cities.
Эти города находятся близкими по расстоянию друг от друга.
These cities are close to each other in terms of distance.
In this context, "близкими" again refers to close people, emphasizing familial or close relational connections.