Kyiv: In a decisive move reflecting Ukraine's ongoing wartime governance strategy, President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Serhiy Lysak, former governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, to head a newly established military administration in the strategic Black Sea port city of Odesa. The decision comes in the wake of the revocation of citizenship of Odesa’s former mayor, Hennadiy Trukhanov, triggering his automatic dismissal.
Trukhanov, who has held the mayoral office since 2014, faces allegations of possessing a Russian passport a claim he has vehemently denied. He has announced plans to challenge the decision in court. The suspension of regular elections under martial law has heightened scrutiny over the centralization of local governance powers, with critics labeling the military administration appointment as a potential erosion of democratic norms.
The creation of a military administration in Odesa grants the president expanded authority over the city, a common practice in Ukraine during wartime to streamline governance and reinforce security measures. Supporters argue the measure is necessary to safeguard the city, especially given its geopolitical importance, while detractors worry about the long-term implications for civic autonomy and local political representation.
Trukhanov has been a notable critic of Ukraine’s "de-Russification" campaign, initiated after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and intensified following the full-scale invasion in 2022. His removal represents a significant shift in leadership at a critical time, as Ukraine navigates security challenges along its southern coast.
Lysak’s appointment is seen as part of a broader effort by Kyiv to strengthen administrative control and security across southern regions amid ongoing conflict, signaling the government’s intent to consolidate authority in strategically vital areas.