Russia pushes fiercely in Kursk as Trump eyes negotiations

Russian gliding bombs weighing about 2,200 pounds fall on Ukrainian supply roads. In response, Ukraine launched a series of Western missiles last week, injuring, among others, a North Korean general.

"They attack continuously—morning, day, night," said the 30-year-old battalion commander known as Genij from the 47th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine.

The battle for control of the Kursk region has reached a rarely seen intensity in 2.5 years of war - writes "The Wall Street Journal." Both sides are trying to solidify their positions before the newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, who seeks negotiations between the parties, takes office.

Moscow has deployed approximately 45,000 soldiers in the region, including its best units that attack in relentless waves. Despite enormous losses, the strategy seems effective: in recent weeks, Russia has regained nearly half of the territory captured by Ukraine during the August offensive. Analysts suggest that Russia may be planning an even larger offensive.

Ukraine has also deployed its best brigades to the Kursk region. President Biden's decision to allow Kyiv to use long-range American missiles on Russian soil has given Ukrainian soldiers the necessary boost and ability to disrupt Russian supply and command lines.

In Kyiv, there are concerns that Trump's pursuit of negotiations may benefit Russia. Ukrainian officials claim that Russia aims to reclaim Kursk before Trump's inauguration. Retaining at least part of the territory in the Kursk region could give Ukraine a significant negotiating advantage.

"It's the best Ukrainian forces against the best Russian forces," said a 35-year-old Ukrainian sergeant known as Dżyn, fighting in Kursk. "At this intensity, I see no reason to retreat," he added.

Genij, the battalion commander of the 47th Brigade, said that when his troops arrived in the Kursk region two months ago, the Russians were defending the area with only conscription soldiers. About six weeks ago, a Russian counterattack began. After losing several armored vehicles, the Russians changed tactics, starting to send infantry in small groups.

From a command post near the border with Russia, which "The Wall Street Journal" journalists visited, Genij watched via drone as Russian soldiers moved through the forest towards a ruined Ukrainian village. He called for mortar fire, but most shots missed.

Unlike the eastern front, where Ukrainian troops have complained for months about shortages of ammunition and manpower, the brigades fighting in Kursk are well equipped. Thanks to American Bradley combat vehicles, Genij's units can regularly rotate soldiers in the trenches, which is nearly impossible for units without modern equipment.

Long-range Western missiles have changed the situation in the region. Last week, Ukraine used British Storm Shadow missiles to strike a Russian command post, injuring a North Korean general.

According to Ukrainian officials, 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed in the Kursk region. Ukrainian troops have been given Korean phrasebooks in case of direct confrontation with Kim Jong Un's forces.

Nevertheless, the Russians have other advantages in Kursk. In the 47th Brigade's combat area, Moscow has about three times the number of soldiers and six times as many combat drones.

Despite enormous losses, Russia continues its offensive. British officials estimate that Russia is losing about 1,200 people daily across the entire front line. According to British sources, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Moscow has suffered 700,000 casualties.

"They're hard to count—the field they attack is covered with bodies," said a Ukrainian soldier fighting southeast of Sudzha. "They literally tread on their comrades' bodies during an attack," he adds.

Despite the fatigue of Ukrainian soldiers and the advantages of Russia, fighting continues, and the outcome remains uncertain.

Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Kursk said it is still unclear if the operation was worth it. Some expressed anger over lost territory in the east, where units with personnel shortages were being overwhelmed. Others stated that it would be difficult to dislodge them before spring if they hold positions in Kursk until winter.

Genij, the battalion commander from the 47th Brigade, said he is unsure how long they can hold Kursk.

"I think eventually they will push us back," he said. "They are adding more force and resources, and their goal is to reach the border at any cost, so they will," he added.