Ukrainian President Zelensky Appoints Chrystia Freeland as Economic Adviser
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland as an international economic adviser. The announcement, made on January 5, 2026, signals a major effort by Kyiv to bolster its economic team with globally recognized expertise as it navigates the ongoing war with Russia and plans for future reconstruction. Freeland, who has Ukrainian heritage, will reportedly focus on coordinating international financial aid, attracting foreign investment, and advising on economic reforms necessary for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration. In a statement, Zelensky praised Freeland's extensive experience in global finance and her steadfast support for Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Freeland served as Canada's Finance Minister during a critical period of Western sanctions against Moscow and was instrumental in coordinating G7 economic pressure. Her appointment is viewed by analysts as a strategic move to deepen ties with allied nations and ensure high-level oversight of Ukraine's economic resilience. Freeland has resigned from her seat in the Canadian Parliament to take up the role in Kyiv. The decision comes amidst continued Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and critical industries. Freeland's first tasks will likely include working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union to secure multi-billion dollar funding packages. She is also expected to play a key role in the 'Ukraine Recovery Conference' scheduled for later in the year. Critics in Russia have dismissed the move as political theater, while Ukrainian officials emphasize the need for technocratic leadership to combat corruption and streamline reconstruction efforts. Freeland has long been a hawkish voice on Russian aggression, having implemented severe financial sanctions during her tenure in Ottawa.
