01/05/2026
Zelenskyy names Chrystia Freeland as adviser on Ukraine’s economic recovery
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed former Canadian cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland as an economic development adviser, underscoring Kyiv’s focus on long-term recovery while the war with Russia continues.
Freeland has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and has argued the country could become a major economic force by seizing opportunities lost after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Announcing the appointment on social media, Zelenskyy said Ukraine must strengthen its “internal resilience” as it navigates both war and reconstruction.
“Chrystia is highly skilled in these matters and has extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations,” Zelenskyy wrote. He added that bolstering economic strength is critical “both for the sake of Ukraine’s recovery if diplomacy delivers results as swiftly as possible, and to reinforce our defence if, because of delays by our partners, it takes longer to bring this war to an end.”
Freeland, who has Ukrainian ancestry, previously served as a senior minister and deputy prime minister in Canada’s federal government. Although she stepped away from cabinet in September, she continues to serve as the member of Parliament for University–Rosedale in Toronto.
She was also named by Prime Minister Mark Carney as Canada’s special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Her new role with Zelenskyy comes as Carney travels to Paris to meet with allied leaders in renewed efforts to end Russia’s nearly four-year war against Ukraine.
