The president of Ukraine Volodimir Zelenski recalled his nationality for 11 years of Mayor Odessa Gennady Trouhanov, on the grounds that he also has a Russian passport.
At the same time, Volodimir Zelenski said he would soon appoint someone to lead a new military administration that will run Odessa, making it clear that he was replacing Truhanov.
The Ukrainian President thanked Ukrainian Security Service chief Vasil Maliuk and the service “for her strong work in protecting Ukraine and dealing with Russian information networks”.
“We also discussed the situation in the frontline communities and in the southern part of our country, especially in Odessa. Odessa is worth more protection and support. This can be achieved through a military administration. “Too many issues of security in Odessa have remained unsolved for a long time,” the Ukrainian president said.
Last week, Zelesnki accused Odessa’s “local leaders” of not doing enough to protect residents from last month’s floods that claimed the lives of 10 people.
60 -year -old Gennady Trouhanov, an elected official, said he would appeal to court, refusing to have a Russian passport and insisting that he remains a mayor. Ukrainian officials are forbidden to have dual citizenship.
“I will defend myself, I will address the court. If the court cannot decide, I will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. This is the climax, you know, of arbitrariness that cannot be allowed, “Truhanov said.
“I now have evidence that I could not obtain Russian citizenship or passports, either as a natural person or legally,” Truhanov told the public broadcaster Suspilne.
Truhanov has opposed the Ukrainian “Sorryance” movement that began in 2014, when Moscow occupied and attached the Crimea peninsula and accelerated by Russia’s complete invasion.
He had opposed the removal of the statue of the Great Catherine of Russia in Odessa, which founded the port in 1794, and another statue of Russian playwright Alexander Pushkin.
His attitude has made him a divisive personality. Late this evening, a multitude of dozens gathered in Odessa demanding his restoration.