Zelensky revokes Odesa Mayor’s citizenship over alleged Russian passport

 International Desk | PNN:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revoked the citizenship of Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov, citing allegations that he holds a Russian passport. This move may force the mayor to step down. In his place, Zelensky has appointed a military administration to manage the city, which is the largest port city in the Black Sea region, home to nearly 1 million residents.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced via Telegram that:

"Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov’s Ukrainian citizenship has been suspended."
The decision is based on allegations that Trukhanov holds a valid international passport from an aggressive country.

Ukraine prohibits holders of Russian citizenship from acquiring Ukrainian nationality, particularly following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As a result of this action, Trukhanov may face expulsion from the country.

In a social media post, Zelensky said he had met with the head of SBU to discuss actions against Russian agent networks and collaborators, particularly in southern border regions. He added, “The SBU chief confirmed that some individuals hold Russian citizenship and that necessary measures have been taken against them.”

Trukhanov, who has served as Odesa’s mayor since 2014, has repeatedly denied allegations of holding Russian citizenship. In a video statement, he said:

"I have never held a Russian passport. I am a Ukrainian citizen. I will continue to serve as the elected mayor for as long as possible and will take the matter to court."

Photos of Trukhanov’s alleged Russian passport have been widely shared on social media, fueling public debate in Ukraine. After Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Trukhanov publicly criticized Russia and shifted his stance. Currently, he is focusing on Odesa’s defense and cooperating with the Ukrainian military.

Meanwhile, Zelensky has revoked the Ukrainian citizenship of two other individuals. Local news outlet Kyiv Independent reported that one is Sergei Polunin, a Ukrainian ballet dancer and open supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the other is Oleg Saryov, a former Ukrainian politician and current Russian collaborator.

Additionally, in July 2023, Zelensky revoked the citizenship of Metropolitan Onufriy, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church affiliated with Moscow.