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In a significant political move, President Volodymyr Zelensky has revoked the citizenship of Hennadiy Trukhanov, the mayor of Odesa. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) confirmed this development, following a report by United News. The decree also affects former lawmaker Oleg Tsaryov and ballet dancer Sergei Polunin, stripping them of their Ukrainian citizenship.
Despite these actions, Zelensky has not publicly commented. Following a meeting with SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, the president hinted at the existence of dual citizenship among certain individuals, stating that necessary decrees had been prepared. A spokesperson from the president’s office noted that these decrees remain confidential due to the sensitive personal information they contain.
The background of the allegations
Trukhanov, who has served as Odesa’s mayor since May 2014, faces accusations of holding a Russian passport. He addressed these allegations on October 13, asserting that the issue is not new and has circulated since 2014.
“I have consistently explained that I do not, and have never had, Russian citizenship. Every relevant Ukrainian agency has verified this,” he stated.
Evidence presented
In a recent interview with Suspilne, Trukhanov expressed his readiness to provide evidence supporting his claims.
He holds documentation from diplomatic agencies, judicial rulings, and other official papers affirming his lack of Russian citizenship. Additionally, he has offered to undergo a polygraph test or any other verification method to confirm his statements.
Public response and political implications
The political landscape has become more complex due to a petition urging the president to revoke Trukhanov’s citizenship, submitted on October 13. This petition quickly gained over 28,000 signatures within 24 hours, reflecting significant public sentiment regarding the mayor’s citizenship status.
Once the formalities of the citizenship revocation are completed, Trukhanov will be compelled to resign as mayor. This action underscores broader implications of loyalty and citizenship in a country facing ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Military administration considerations
On the same day the citizenship decree was announced, President Zelensky instructed Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian army Oleksandr Syrskyi and Odesa Region Governor Oleh Kiper to explore the possibility of establishing a military administration in Odesa. This move follows a separate petition from city residents, submitted to the president’s office on September 24, calling for increased military oversight.
The implications of these developments may have far-reaching effects on Odesa’s governance and its relationship with the national government. As Zelensky navigates the complexities of citizenship and allegiance within Ukraine, the situation remains fluid and indicative of the ongoing tensions faced by the country.
