Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Chrystia Freeland, Canada's former finance minister and deputy prime minister, as a key adviser on economic development. The move is part of a significant shake-up within the Ukrainian government as the nation continues to defend itself against Russia's invasion.
A Strategic Appointment for Ukraine's Resilience
Announcing the decision on social media, President Zelenskyy stated that Freeland's expertise would be crucial for strengthening Ukraine's "internal resilience". He emphasised that this resilience is vital for both post-war recovery and for sustaining the nation's defence efforts should the conflict be prolonged.
"Chrystia is highly skilled in these matters and has extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations," Zelenskyy wrote. He outlined that Ukraine currently faces two potential paths: a peaceful, diplomatic resolution or a continued need for self-defence, for which "fresh forces will be needed".
Amid a Major Government Reshuffle
Freeland's appointment coincides with a sweeping reorganisation of Ukraine's leadership. In recent weeks, Zelenskyy has replaced several top officials. Last week, he appointed the head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, as his new chief of staff, following the resignation of his former confidant Andriy Yermak in late November.
Furthermore, on Monday, Vasyl Maliuk, the powerful head of the SBU security service, resigned under pressure. This means all three of Ukraine's intelligence agencies are now under new leadership. Zelenskyy described this as a "parallel reboot of all structures" to prepare for any eventuality in the war.
Freeland's Deep Ties to Ukraine
Freeland is uniquely positioned for this advisory role. She speaks Ukrainian and has profound ancestral and professional connections to the country. Her involvement began decades ago as a young exchange student and pro-democracy activist, during which she was surveilled by the KGB and given the codename "Frida".
"Though I was eventually forced to leave the country, I have no regrets about my time in Ukraine during the Soviet period," Freeland has said. "Out of this experience, what struck me, very powerfully, was how quickly a rotten political system could collapse."
Her career later included working in Russia for the Financial Times, authoring a book on post-communist privatisation, and for years hosting an annual forum in Ukraine for oligarch Victor Pinchuk. She has long argued that Ukraine's economic potential has been hampered by its historic ties to Russia.
Freeland's move follows her resignation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet in September, after he named her Canada's special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Carney stated she was "truly uniquely positioned" for that role. She will also become CEO of the Oxford-based Rhodes Trust on 1 July and will not seek re-election as a Canadian lawmaker.
The advisory appointment comes as Western leaders, including Canada's Mark Carney, gather in Paris to discuss strategies to end the war that began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
