Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially revoked the citizenship of Gennadiy Trukhanov, the mayor of Odesa, following allegations that he possesses a Russian passport. This action underscores Ukraine’s stringent policies against dual citizenship with Russia, especially amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) announced the revocation, stating that Trukhanov held a valid international passport from Russia, which is prohibited under Ukrainian law. In response, President Zelenskyy has appointed a military administration to oversee the governance of Odesa, a significant port city on the Black Sea with a population of approximately 1 million residents.
Trukhanov, who has served as mayor since 2014, has consistently denied the allegations, asserting his sole allegiance to Ukraine. He has vowed to challenge the decision in Ukraine’s Supreme Court and, if necessary, the European Court of Human Rights. Despite the revocation, he intends to continue his duties as mayor for the time being.
This development highlights the ongoing scrutiny of public officials in Ukraine regarding their affiliations and the government’s commitment to national security amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.