Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the signing of a decree on 15 October establishing the Odesa City Military Administration. He appointed Brigadier General Serhii Lysak its head, signaling Kyiv's tightening control over the strategic frontline port city.

Trukhanov had governed Odesa, Ukraine’s key Black Sea port, while parking millions in luxury London real estate and maintaining ties with organized crime figures from Odesa’s notorious 1990s “oil mafia.” His removal marks a turning point in how Ukraine treats officials with Russian connections during wartime — tolerated for years, intolerable now.

Read more about corruption scandals that involved Trukhanov here: 

The end of Odesa’s teflon mayor Trukhanov?

The creation of a military administration allows the central government to take control not only of defense, but also of social and economic affairs in Odesa, Espreso reports. Lysak’s prior experience managing a region during wartime became the decisive factor in his appointment.

Battlefield experience and disciplined leadership

Lysak, a combat-tested general and former head of the Dnipro Regional Administration, effectively led the region through the most intense phases of the war. Before entering civilian administration, he served in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), rising from field operative to regional director in Zhytomyr and Dnipro.

In 2022, he was promoted to brigadier general and took part in combat in the Donbas war, specializing in counter-sabotage and security missions.

“I don’t intend to negotiate with anyone about anything. There are clear duties people must fulfill,”
Lysak once said, demonstrating his no-compromise leadership style.

Power reshuffle and new challenges for Odesa

By the new decree, Zelenskyy dismissed Lysak from his post in Dnipro and created the Odesa City Military Administration, which Lysak will now lead. Vladyslav Haivanenko was appointed acting head of the Dnipro Regional Administration.

“Today I finish my work in the Dnipro Regional Administration. Behind me — more than two and a half years of a long and difficult road," Lysak wrote in his farewell message. 

Why Odesa, and why now? 

Odesa remains a high-risk city due to its proximity to the frontline and active Russian intelligence operations. Moscow officials and Russian ruler Vladimir Putin have called it Russian numerous times. 

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The new leader brings military discipline, a focus on security, and crisis management experience, particularly noted for his coordination of recovery efforts after Russian strikes in Dnipro.

At the same time, some media observers note that Lysak is a man of the SBU system, which raises a degree of caution. While there are no direct corruption allegations against him, skeptics believe his approach may be too forceful for a civilian city.