In a move that has stirred political debate, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he has stripped Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov of his Ukrainian citizenship.
The news came directly from Zelensky’s Telegram channel, where he confirmed the decree.
“The presence of Russian citizenship among several individuals has been confirmed — the corresponding decisions have been prepared for them.
I have signed the decree,” Zelensky wrote, signaling a firm stance against dual citizenship among public officials.
Several Public Figures Affected
Trukhanov is not the only prominent figure affected by this crackdown.
According to Strana.ua, the president has also revoked the Ukrainian citizenship of former Verkhovna Rada deputy Oleg Tsarev and internationally acclaimed ballet artist Sergei Polunin.
This move forms part of Ukraine’s broader push to eliminate dual citizenship among public officials and key public figures, particularly amid heightened scrutiny of Russian ties.
Trukhanov Plans Legal Challenge
Hennadiy Trukhanov has responded swiftly, announcing his intention to challenge the decision in court.
He suggested that the rapid execution of the decree was politically motivated, claiming it was designed to sideline him from public life due to personal animosity rather than any legal justification.
The Odesa mayor has long faced controversy over alleged links to Russia, which he has consistently denied.
The revocation of his citizenship marks the latest chapter in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to tighten oversight of officials with potential foreign allegiances.
A Wider Push Against Dual Allegiances
The case of Trukhanov highlights a broader trend in Ukraine as the government intensifies its scrutiny of dual nationality among its leaders.
While some see these measures as necessary for national security, critics argue they could be politically charged, especially when high-profile figures are involved.
As Trukhanov prepares his legal challenge, the situation remains closely watched, both in Ukraine and internationally, as a test of how far the government is willing to go in addressing dual citizenship among influential figures.