section_path: Presidency/Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022–present)/Phase 6: Kursk incursion 2024, August–present
section_name: Phase 6: Kursk incursion 2024, August–present
paragraph_text: Phase 6: Kursk incursion 2024, August–present
  
  In April 2024, Zelenskyy signed a new mobilization law to increase the number of troops. He also signed into law a measure lowering Ukraine's army mobilization age from 27 to 25.
  
  In June 2024, Zelenskyy said that China's support for Russia would prolong the war in Ukraine. According to Zelenskyy, Russia used Chinese diplomats to undermine the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland.
  
  In July 2024, Zelenskyy criticised Narendra Modi 's meeting with Putin on the same day that Russian missile strikes hit the children's hospital Okhmatdyt in Kyiv, saying "It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day."
  
  On 30 August 2024, Zelenskyy decommissioned Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, who had headed the Ukrainian Air Force since 2021, shortly after the death of F-16 pilot Col Oleksiy Mes during a Russian missile attack. Politician Maryana Bezuhla claimed the pilot's jet had been shot down by the friendly fire of an anti-aircraft missile, and the death is under investigation. Zelenskyy did not specify a reason for the dismissal, but said "we must...take care of all our warriors." Zelenskyy also said: "I have decided to replace the commander of the Air Forces... I am eternally grateful to all our military pilots," the next day after the pilot's death.
  
  In October 2024, Zelenskyy unveiled the Victory Plan for Ukraine. The plan included five points: one geopolitical, two military, one economical and one related to national defense and safety.
  
  In December 2024, Zelenskyy resisted pressure from the Biden administration to lower the conscription age to 18 to replace Ukraine's battlefield losses. In February 2025, he said that Ukraine would introduce special military contracts for volunteers aged 18 to 24.
  
  On 4 September 2024, most of the Shmyhal Government cabinet tendered their resignations while Zelenskyy considered his reshuffle.