Zelensky Moves Against Opponents, Strips Odessa Mayor Trukhanov of Ukrainian Citizenship, Causing Him To Lose His Mandate (VIDEOS) | The Gateway Pundit | by Paul Serran

Zelensky Targets Political Rivals with Unprecedented Moves.

In a decidedly contentious maneuver, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is asserting control over his political landscape by unleashing state security forces against his rivals. As reported, he has set his sights on local politicians, particularly the head of Odesa, Mayor Gennady Trukhanov.

Kiev regime consumes its own — Zelensky aims to oust major city mayor

Zelensky reportedly seeks to remove Odesa’s Mayor Trukhanov due to escalated claims regarding his supposed Russian citizenship.

Trukhanov has notably contested the demolition of significant cultural monuments in the past pic.twitter.com/dpUUo3x3Cx

— RT (@RT_com) October 13, 2025

On October 14, Zelensky revoked the citizenship of Mayor Trukhanov in what many are denouncing as an illegal act, appointing military governance to oversee the crucial port city of Odesa.

Trukhanov is accused of holding a Russian passport, a serious charge given Ukrainian law prohibits dual citizenship for public officials.

Reuters cited Trukhanov’s defiance: “I will legally contest this revocation and maintain that I am still the mayor.”

Zelensky appears intent on consolidating power as electoral tensions rise.

In a bid to secure control over critical cities, Zelensky has acted against the mayor, fabricating claims of Russian allegiances.

Trukhanov had long been a vocal opponent of the heightened nationalism and the stripping away of cultural icons associated with Russia.

— Anatolij Sharij (@anatoliisharii) October 14, 2025

Zelensky plans to swiftly appoint a military administrator to exert direct influence over Odesa.

“Too many security issues in Odesa have lingered unaddressed,” he cited while reflecting on local inadequacies in disaster management, notably a recent flood that claimed ten lives.

Zelensky declares MILITARY RULE in Odesa

Following the citizenship revocation of the mayor—whom he charges with hidden Russian ties.

‘Anyone I disapprove of becomes a Russian agent’ https://t.co/SeHjTuUtgh

— RT (@RT_com) October 14, 2025

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) backed Zelensky by posting purported evidence of the mayor’s Russian citizenship, a claim characterized by many as dubious or poorly substantiated.

ALLEGATIONS OF A COUP

Zelensky’s allies may have fabricated a Russian passport for Trukhanov to justify this drastic action.

The alleged passport fails to conform to standard Russian transliteration protocols, raising questions about its authenticity.

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) October 15, 2025

In a video statement, Trukhanov responded: “I will challenge this ruling at the Supreme Court and subsequently at the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.”

Watch: Mayor Trukhanov comments on losing Ukrainian citizenship.

Mayor Trukhanov addresses the deprivation of his citizenship by Zelensky, who accused him of seeking Russian nationality. pic.twitter.com/6V4HV1qpSk

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) October 14, 2025

Trukhanov has faced intense backlash from Ukrainian nationalists for his stance against the movement for ‘de-Russification’ and the removal of monuments honoring Russia’s historical figures, including Catherine the Great and Alexander Pushkin.

RT further reported: “In a recent interview, Trukhanov expressed his disapproval of renaming Odessa’s Pushkin Street, emphasizing the city’s multicultural heritage and his concerns about the growing anti-Russian sentiment in Ukraine.”

Further Reading:

Zelensky considered stepping down for peace, but his actions suggest a different course, silencing rivals to secure his position ahead of the elections.