Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revoked the citizenship of Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov after the Security Service confirmed that he allegedly holds a Russian passport, according to official statements.
The move strips the mayor of his Ukrainian citizenship based on evidence that he acquired Russian nationality, which under Ukrainian law is incompatible with holding public office. Trukhanov, who has served as mayor of Ukraine’s key Black Sea port city for over a decade, has denied possessing Russian citizenship.
The case highlights the heightened scrutiny of dual citizenship in Ukraine since the Russian invasion, particularly among public officials. Ukrainian law prohibits citizens from holding foreign nationality while serving in government positions, and the discovery of alleged Russian passports among officials has led to multiple citizenship revocation proceedings.
Trukhanov’s removal has significant implications for the governance of Odesa, a strategically important city that has faced repeated Russian missile attacks and remains a focal point of Ukraine’s war effort. The presidential decree triggers procedures for new mayoral elections in the city.