Early morning reports of Ukrainian drone attacks on ethanol plants in Voronezh region set the tone for a day of heightened border tensions. By afternoon, the FSB announced the interception and elimination of a group of foreign mercenaries attempting to infiltrate the Bryansk region. This incident dominated headlines, with officials later claiming the group included individuals from the US, Poland, and Canada. Meanwhile, Putin extended the term of Investigative Committee head Bastrykin and commented on Russia's economic growth despite sanctions. In Georgia, opposition protests began in Tbilisi following disputed parliamentary elections, with Russian media suggesting the arrival of Ukrainian-trained snipers to provoke unrest. The day concluded with reports of continued drone attacks on Russian border regions and speculation about North Korean troops in Kursk oblast.