In a significant move to bolster its economic resilience, Ukraine has appointed former Canadian Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as a key advisor. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally announced the new role, highlighting Freeland's deep expertise in finance and international investment.
A Strategic Appointment for Ukraine's Future
President Zelenskyy praised Freeland, stating she is highly skilled in matters of economic transformation and attracting foreign investment. He framed the appointment as crucial for Ukraine's internal strength, necessary both for post-war recovery and for sustaining its defense efforts if the conflict persists. "I am grateful to everyone who is ready to support our state," Zelenskyy added, underscoring the importance of international partnerships.
Who is Chrystia Freeland?
Chrystia Freeland brings a formidable portfolio of experience to her new advisory position. Her political career in Canada began in 2013, and she has served in several high-profile roles:
As Minister of International Trade (2015-2017), she oversaw the successful negotiation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
As Minister of Foreign Affairs (2017-2019), she led the complex renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and was a vocal advocate for Ukraine, democracy, and a feminist foreign policy.
Her most groundbreaking role came in 2020 when she became Canada's first female Finance Minister. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her policies are credited with protecting jobs and businesses while maintaining Canada's position with the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. She also introduced a landmark national childcare program.
Notably, she helped lead the global financial response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including efforts to seize and repurpose frozen Russian assets.
Transition to a New Chapter
Freeland stepped down from the Canadian cabinet in September 2025, announcing her decision on social media "with tremendous gratitude and a little sadness." She confirmed she would not run in the next federal election.
Following her resignation, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked her for her "extraordinary service" and asked her to serve as Canada's Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, a role she will hold alongside her duties as a Member of Parliament until the next election. Her new advisory role for the Ukrainian government is a natural extension of this mandate, leveraging her decade of top-level economic and diplomatic experience to aid a nation in crisis.
This appointment signals Ukraine's serious intent to lay the groundwork for massive economic reconstruction and to strengthen its financial systems with the help of seasoned international experts.
