Odesa: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday signed a decree establishing a military administration in the southern city of Odesa. The decision follows Zelenskyy's assertion in a video address that Odesa requires enhanced protection and support, citing unresolved security issues in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy's decree also appointed Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak as the head of the new administration, following his dismissal from his previous role. Vladyslav Haivanenko has been named acting governor of Dnipropetrovsk, having served as the deputy governor since February.

Zelenskyy also announced on the social media platform X his decision to revoke the citizenship of certain individuals holding dual citizenship with Russia, after consulting with Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service (SBU). The SBU identified Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov as one of those affected. Trukhanov, who has been Odesa's mayor since 2014, denied any Russian citizenship claims and vowed to challenge the decision in court.

Trukhanov expressed his intention to continue his mayoral duties until the city council officially acknowledges the revocation of his Ukrainian citizenship. He plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court and, if necessary, the European Court of Human Rights.