Zelensky Moves Against Opponents, Strips Odessa Mayor Trukhanov of Ukrainian Citizenship, Causing Him To Lose His Mandate (VIDEOS)

Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov in Odesa, Ukraine, on May 12, 2023. (Yulii Zozulia / Ukrinform / Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Published October 15, 2025

In a move that has shaken Ukraine’s political establishment, President Volodymyr Zelensky has revoked the Ukrainian citizenship of Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov, effectively removing him from office. The decision follows allegations that Trukhanov, a long-serving and influential local figure, secretly held a Russian passport—a claim he has vehemently denied.

According to Reuters and The Kyiv Independent, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) presented evidence confirming Trukhanov’s Russian citizenship, allegedly obtained in 2015. Ukrainian law prohibits dual nationality, and loss of citizenship automatically disqualifies an individual from holding public office. In the same decree, Zelensky also replaced Odesa’s civilian administration with a military administration, appointing Serhiy Lysak, the former Dnipropetrovsk governor, as the city’s new head.

A Mayor Under Fire

Trukhanov, who has governed Odesa since 2014, has long been a controversial figure. Over the years, investigative journalists have linked him to corruption scandals, offshore holdings, and pro-Russian networks. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Ukrainian watchdogs have accused him of having Russian ties—allegations he has consistently rejected.

In a public statement, Trukhanov insisted he “never received a Russian passport” and announced plans to appeal the revocation before Ukraine’s Supreme Court and, if necessary, the European Court of Human Rights. “This is not just about me,” he said. “It’s about the future of Ukraine’s democracy.”

Legal and Political Tensions

The Ukrainian Constitution bars dual citizenship, but it also guarantees due process in cases involving citizenship loss. Critics argue that Zelensky’s decision was executive overreach, taken without judicial review and possibly influenced by political motives.
By replacing an elected mayor with a military administrator, the government effectively suspended local democratic governance in one of Ukraine’s most strategic cities.

Legal scholars note that the Trukhanov case could become a landmark test of how far presidential authority can extend during martial law. If courts side with Trukhanov, it might challenge the president’s ability to unilaterally revoke citizenship; if not, it will reinforce the precedent of centralized wartime control.

National Security or Political Signal?

Supporters of the president view the move as a national security necessity. Odesa, a critical Black Sea port city, has endured repeated Russian missile strikes and disinformation campaigns. Ensuring that its leadership is fully loyal, they argue, is vital to Ukraine’s defense.

However, opponents say the timing of the decision—following public criticism of Odesa’s flood response and a viral petition calling for Trukhanov’s removal—suggests political calculation rather than purely security motives. The development also mirrors a broader trend: Kyiv consolidating power at the expense of local autonomy.

 Implications

The revocation of Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov’s citizenship carries far-reaching political, legal, and international consequences for Ukraine’s internal stability and its image abroad.

1. Centralization of Power

   • The move strengthens President Zelensky’s control over local governments, signaling that dissent or perceived disloyalty will not be tolerated during wartime.

   • It may encourage other regional officials to conform more closely to central directives, effectively tightening Kyiv’s grip on regional politics.

2. Erosion of Democratic Institutions

   • Critics argue that bypassing judicial due process to remove an elected mayor undermines the democratic system Ukraine has worked to preserve, especially under martial law.

   • It risks setting a precedent for future administrations to sideline elected officials under the guise of national security.

3. Public Trust and Social Stability

   • In Odesa, the move could polarize citizens, with some viewing it as justified for national safety while others see it as a political purge.

   • If not managed carefully, it could fuel local unrest or weaken morale in a city that has already endured Russian attacks and economic strain.

4. Legal Ramifications

   • The Supreme Court and possibly the European Court of Human Rights will now face a critical test: balancing national security powers against constitutional protections.

   • The outcome may redefine how Ukraine interprets dual citizenship laws and presidential authority in times of war.

5. International Repercussions

   • Western allies—especially the EU and U.S.—may scrutinize this act as a measure of Ukraine’s democratic integrity while continuing to support its defense against Russia.

   • Any perception of authoritarian drift could weaken Western confidence and complicate future aid or EU accession talks.

6. Strategic Messaging to Russia

   • On the other hand, the move sends a strong deterrent signal to Moscow that Ukraine will not tolerate internal actors suspected of Russian ties—especially in strategic cities like Odesa.

 Overall Takeaway:

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to strip Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov of his Ukrainian citizenship marks a defining moment in Ukraine’s wartime governance. While the administration frames it as a necessary act to protect national security and remove potential Russian influence, the move also exposes the tension between democracy and central authority in times of crisis.

Odesa’s transformation from civilian to military administration underscores Zelensky’s determination to maintain full control over key strategic cities—but it also fuels debate about how much power a wartime leader should wield without checks and balances.

In the months ahead, Ukraine’s courts and international observers will closely watch the outcome of Trukhanov’s appeals. Whether this episode is remembered as a legitimate act of defense or a turning point toward political overreach will depend on how transparently and lawfully the government handles the process.

Ultimately, the controversy serves as a reminder that Ukraine’s struggle is not only against Russian aggression—but also to preserve its democratic values amid the pressures of war.

SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Zelensky Moves Against Opponents, Strips Odessa Mayor Trukhanov of Ukrainian Citizenship, Causing Him To Lose His Mandate (VIDEOS)

REUTERS – Zelenskiy strips Odesa mayor of Ukrainian citizenship

THE KYIV INDEPENDENT – Zelensky strips tainted Odesa Mayor Trukhanov of Ukrainian citizenship, effectively pushes him out of office