Odesa Mayor Trukhanov Vows Legal Battle After Losing Ukrainian Citizenship Over Alleged Russian Passport

Summary

Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov plans to sue after losing his Ukrainian citizenship over allegations of holding a Russian passport.
The Security Service of Ukraine claims new evidence proves Trukhanov’s Russian citizenship, which is illegal under Ukrainian law.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revoked Trukhanov’s citizenship and aims to place Odesa under military administration due to its strategic importance.

Longtime Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov has vowed to sue to get back his Ukrainian citizenship after it was stripped over intelligence agency claims that documents had emerged proving he has a Russian passport.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said in a press release on October 14 that Trukhanov’s citizenship had been revoked after multiple documents emerged proving he was a Russian citizen. Dual nationality is prohibited under Ukrainian law.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he had signed a decree revoking Trukhanov’s citizenship, saying he intends to place the strategic port city of Odesa under military administration.

“I have not changed my mind about going to court. I did not have and do not have Russian citizenship. I have all the relevant documents, so we will fight,” Trukhanov said on October 15.

“Today I remain the mayor of the city…Until this information is adopted by the deputies at a session, I will remain mayor of the city and fulfill my duties,” he added.