Kyiv: In a dramatic move signaling Ukraine’s continued vigilance against dual allegiances, President Volodymyr Zelensky has revoked the citizenship of Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov. Sources close to the matter confirmed that the mayor holds Russian citizenship, a claim Trukhanov has repeatedly denied in the past. The decision reflects growing concerns in Kyiv over potential conflicts of loyalty among key officials amid ongoing hostilities with Russia.
The revocation marks an unprecedented step against a high-profile city leader in Ukraine’s largest port city. Trukhanov has held the mayoral office since 2014, guiding Odesa through years of political uncertainty, economic challenges, and regional tensions. Analysts suggest that the move could reshape the city’s political environment and signal a broader crackdown on officials suspected of maintaining foreign allegiances.
While the Ukrainian government has not issued a formal statement, insiders indicate that the measure is part of a wider strategy to reinforce national security and prevent potential influence from Moscow. The ongoing war in eastern Ukraine has heightened sensitivity to matters of citizenship and loyalty, especially for officials in strategic locations like Odesa, which plays a vital role in Ukraine’s trade and defense.
Trukhanov’s response remains unclear, and there is no immediate word on whether he will challenge the decision through legal channels. Local political observers predict that the development could trigger debates on governance, accountability, and the balance between national security and municipal autonomy.
As Kyiv continues to navigate the complex interplay of politics, war, and loyalty, the case of Odesa’s mayor underscores the high stakes faced by public officials in the current geopolitical climate. Citizens and analysts alike will be closely watching the implications of this move, both for Odesa’s administration and Ukraine’s broader efforts to safeguard sovereignty.