EU takes first step toward Russian energy ban, Russian drones target Nizhyn and Pryluky - Wednesday brief

EU ambassadors approve plan to phase out Russian oil and gas by 2028 – Reuters

EU ambassadors have agreed on a plan to phase out Russian oil and gas by 2028, despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia.

According to the report, during a closed-door meeting, EU ambassadors agreed to submit the draft law to their ministers for approval at a session scheduled for October 20. The ambassadors' decision helped overcome the first political hurdle toward adopting the legislation.

Russian drones target Ukrainian cities Nizhyn and Pryluky: Damage to railway line, energy facility, and oil depot

On the night of October 8, Russian forces carried out a massive kamikaze drone attack on the Chernihiv region. The main strikes targeted the Ukrainian cities of Nizhyn, Pryluky, and the Semenivka community, according to reports from the Nizhyn City Council and the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration.

According to the Nizhyn City Council, the enemy directed 12 Shaheds at a freight train on the Nosivka–Nizhyn section. As a result of the attack, the railway track was damaged, and train traffic to Kyiv was temporarily halted — trains are now running only to Nosivka station.

Zelenskyy says Russia forcing assaults at any cost as Ukraine plans new operations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), to discuss the progress of military operations.

According to him, the SBU continues to deliver effective strikes against Russian troops, in particular by destroying Russia's air defense systems.

He stresses that Ukrainian long-range missile drones are demonstrating increasing effectiveness. Separately, the President noted the soldiers of the SBU's Special Operations Center A, who are actively operating in the Pokrovsk direction.

According to him, Russian troops have been ordered to storm the positions of Ukrainian defenders at any cost, but they are suffering significant losses every day.

Trump announces trip to Middle East later this week - What's known so far

US President Donald Trump said he may travel to the Middle East on Sunday, as discussions continue over a potential ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, according to CNN and NBC News.