OTTAWA — Former federal cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland has been appointed as an economic adviser by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader announced Monday.
Freeland has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine throughout its war with Russia, and has previously argued that Ukraine could emerge as a major economic power by seizing opportunities missed after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
In a social media post, Zelenskyy said Ukraine must strengthen what he described as its “internal resilience,” both to support post-war recovery and to bolster the country’s capacity to sustain its defence if diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are delayed.
“Chrystia is highly skilled in these matters and has extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations,” Zelenskyy wrote.
“Right now, 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.”
Freeland’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Freeland, who has Ukrainian ancestry, previously served as deputy prime minister and held several senior cabinet portfolios in the government of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. She was later named by Prime Minister Mark Carney as Canada’s special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Although she stepped away from cabinet in September, Freeland continues to serve as the Member of Parliament for the Toronto-area riding of University—Rosedale.
Her appointment comes as Carney travels to Paris to meet with other allies of Ukraine as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia’s nearly four-year war against the country.