President moves to take direct control of strategic Black Sea port city deeply shaped by Russian cultural influence

President Volodymyr Zelensky stripped Odesa’s long-serving mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov of his Ukrainian citizenship after security services alleged he held a passport from Russia.

Mr Trukhanov, 60, who has governed the Black Sea port city for over a decade, rejected the accusation.

“I will appeal the decision to strip me of my Ukrainian citizenship in the Supreme Court. And, if that is not enough, I will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights,” he said in a video statement.

The Security Service of Ukraine released an image on Telegram of what appeared to be a Russian passport bearing the mayor’s name and photograph, claiming it was issued in December 2015 and remained valid.

Ukrainian law bars public officials from holding dual citizenship.