Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appointed Canada’s former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as an adviser on economic development, citing her experience in attracting international investment as the country continues to confront the impact of Russia’s invasion.
The appointment was confirmed by Zelenskiy on Monday following a meeting with Freeland in Kyiv. In a post on X, the Ukrainian leader said the role would be focused on strengthening the country’s economic resilience during the ongoing war and in preparation for future recovery.
“Ukraine needs to strengthen its internal resilience – 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,” Zelenskiy wrote.
Freeland served as Canada’s deputy prime minister from 2019 to 2024 and has been a prominent international supporter of Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. She also previously held senior cabinet roles, including ministerial positions linked to transport and internal trade.
Born to a family with Ukrainian roots, Freeland has frequently highlighted her personal ties to the country. She has been a strong advocate for military, financial and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv, both during her time in government and after stepping down from her cabinet role.
She remains a member of Canada’s national parliament but said she would resign from that position in the coming weeks. Freeland also confirmed she would step aside from her role as Canada’s special envoy to Ukraine, a post she took up in September last year.
In a statement posted on X, Freeland said: “Ukraine is at the forefront of today’s global fight for democracy, and I welcome this chance to contribute on an unpaid basis as an economic advisor.”
Her resignation from parliament will require Prime Minister Mark Carney to call a special election to fill the vacant seat. The governing Liberals are currently one seat short of a majority in the House of Commons but have continued in power with support from opposition parties, including during a confidence vote in November.
Polling suggests the Liberals, who won a general election last April, would likely retain power if another vote were held in the near term.
Freeland’s appointment comes as Ukraine continues to seek foreign investment and economic stability while managing the pressures of a prolonged conflict and uncertainty over the timing and scale of international support.
