Igor Koval takes over as Mayor of Odesa

The Secretary of Odesa City Council, Igor Koval, has assumed the duties of the city mayor. This decision was made in accordance with the law on local self-government to ensure the city's continuous management.

The relevant order was published on the website of the Odesa City Council.

It was announced in Odesa that on October 16, 2025, the Secretary of the City Council, Ihor Koval, officially assumed the duties of the Mayor of Odesa. The relevant order No. 1137K was issued in accordance with part two of Article 42 of the Law of Ukraine "On Local Self-Government in Ukraine".

This provision of the law stipulates that in case of temporary absence or inability to perform the powers of the mayor, his duties are transferred to the secretary of the city council, who becomes the acting mayor.

Ihor Koval, who previously served as the city council secretary, will now manage the city's executive bodies, coordinate the work of municipal enterprises and monitor the implementation of city council decisions. He will also be responsible for preparing the budget, resolving administrative issues, and signing documents on behalf of the mayor.

The Order emphasizes that Koval will perform these duties until a new mayor is appointed or elected, ensuring the continuity of city management and the implementation of strategic development programs in Odesa.

SCREEN SHOT: omr.gov.ua

In this way, the city receives a temporary leader who must ensure the stable operation of local government and the continuous provision of services to residents.

Recently, former Odesa mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov denied that he had Russian citizenship and called the decision to revoke his Ukrainian passport politically motivated. He emphasized that he continues to perform his duties and intends to apply to international organizations to confirm his status.

Serhiy Lysak, the current head of the Dnipro Regional Military Administration, was appointed head of the newly created Odesa City Military Administration, a decree signed by President Zelenskyy. After Hennadiy Trukhanov is deprived of his citizenship, his powers are formally terminated, but the final decision must be approved by the Odesa City Council.

Анна Бальчінос