Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland as his economic development adviser.
Zelensky noted that Freeland is a professional in this field and has extensive experience in attracting investments and implementing economic transformations.
He emphasized that Ukraine now needs to strengthen internal stability, both for a quick recovery and to bolster defense if the war is prolonged.
Freeland, who has Ukrainian roots, held senior positions in the Canadian government from 2015 to 2025, serving as a close associate of Justin Trudeau, led trade negotiations with the United States during Donald Trump's first presidency, and ensured the signing of a new trade agreement.
In December 2024, she resigned as Minister of Finance due to disagreements with the Prime Minister amid the Trump administration's looming tariff war. In March 2025, she was appointed Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.
Recently, Freeland served as Canada's Special Representative for Ukraine Reconstruction.
