The Washington Post on Saturday reported an escalation in the battle for control over Russia's Kursk region, as the Kremlin intensified its efforts to recapture territory held by Ukrainian forces since a surprise cross-border incursion in August.

Moscow is highly determined to secure the region ahead of potential negotiations with the incoming Trump administration, the report says. 

Read more: Ukraine incursion in Kursk struggles as Russians retake territory: WP

Ukraine's operation initially captured hundreds of square miles in Kursk, a move that experts say Kiev hoped to use as leverage in any future peace talks.

However, Russia has launched a relentless counteroffensive, reportedly reclaiming some of the lost ground but suffering heavy losses in equipment and personnel, the report claims. 

No territorial concessions

According to US intelligence, Russian forces are working to ensure that negotiations, if they happen, focus solely on Ukrainian territory and not land within Russia.

"It is clear that Moscow will not start any negotiations until they have kicked out every last Ukrainian soldier from Kursk," Konstantin Remchukov, editor-in-chief of Nezavisimaya Gazeta, told WashPo.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly views control over Kursk as critical, refusing to allow it to become a bargaining chip in discussions that could determine the future of the war.

Speaking on state television earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed proposals to freeze the current front lines, a suggestion floated by advisors to President-elect Trump.

Lavrov labeled such ideas as "even worse" than the Minsk Agreements.

Heavy losses for Kiev

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are continuing to hold foot in Kursk, despite mounting pressure. Ukrainian soldiers from the 82nd Brigade described to WashPo intense battles, where drones and artillery have played pivotal roles in repelling Russian advances.

"We are holding the lines," one drone operator said, citing the destruction of dozens of Russian vehicles over the past week.

Analysts warn, however, that Ukraine's operation in Kursk has stretched its military resources thin. Losses in the eastern Donetsk region have accelerated as experienced units have been redirected to support operations in Kursk.

With winter approaching and terrain becoming increasingly challenging, Ukraine faces difficult decisions about where to concentrate its limited reinforcements.

Read more: Russian special forces halt advancement of Ukrainian troops in Kursk