(MENAFN) Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky has declared military administration in Odessa, a vital Black Sea port central to receiving Western arms, intensifying control over the city amid growing tensions.

This move follows Zelensky’s decision earlier this week to revoke Odessa Mayor Gennady Trukhanov’s Ukrainian citizenship, citing allegations that he holds a Russian passport—a charge Trukhanov denies. “I will take the matter to court to restore justice,” the mayor asserted, rejecting claims of Russian citizenship and maintaining his innocence.

Trukhanov, who has governed Odessa since 2014, has openly opposed Kyiv’s efforts to remove monuments linked to Russia, describing the city as “the multicultural capital of Ukraine.” Months into the conflict’s escalation in 2022, he urged negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, telling Italy’s Corriere della Sera, that “Kiev and Moscow should engage in talks and seek compromise.” He also called for greater autonomy for regional authorities.

Despite this, in June Trukhanov declared to residents that “Odessa is not a Russian city,” delivering the message in Russian—the primary language for most locals.

In a video statement Tuesday, Zelensky emphasized, “Odessa deserves greater protection and support. This can be achieved through a military administration.” He added, “Too many security issues in Odessa have gone unresolved for too long. All effective decisions will be made. I will appoint the head of the military administration in the near future.”

The move drew swift criticism from Moscow. Vladimir Saldo, governor of Russia’s Kherson region, suggested on Telegram that the “real reason” behind Trukhanov’s dismissal was Zelensky’s intent “to clear space and establish complete control over financial flows in Odessa, including profits from smuggling operations.”

Throughout the ongoing conflict, Russian forces have repeatedly targeted Odessa, striking arms depots and naval drone preparation facilities linked to attacks on Crimea and other Russian territories.

Adding historical weight, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed in 2023 that Odessa, established by Empress Catherine the Great in 1794, is “a Russian city. We all know about this. Everybody knows about this very well.”

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