In a significant international appointment, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has named former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as an economic adviser. The announcement, made on Monday, January 5, 2026, adds a new chapter to Freeland's career following her resignation from Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet in September.
A New Role in Ukraine's Reconstruction
President Zelenskyy announced the appointment via social media platform X, highlighting Freeland's expertise in economic development. He described her as "highly skilled" with "extensive experience" in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations. The role is seen as crucial for Ukraine's internal resilience as the nation continues to defend itself against the ongoing Russian invasion and plans for future recovery.
"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 defense," Zelenskyy wrote in his post. He expressed gratitude to those willing to support the Ukrainian state and its engagement with international partners.
Freeland's Political Path and Ukrainian Ties
This appointment follows Freeland's resignation from the Carney cabinet in September, after which she was named Canada's "special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine." That role, however, was noted for its lack of a clear mandate from the Prime Minister's Office or the Privy Council Office. Her departure from cabinet at that time prompted a mini-shuffle, with Dominic LeBlanc stepping in as the new international trade minister.
Freeland's political history is marked by significant moments. In December 2024, her sudden resignation as finance minister, just hours before tabling a fall economic statement, triggered a political crisis. That event set off a chain reaction that led to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau less than a month later, with Freeland widely seen as a catalyst in his political downfall.
Balancing Multiple Responsibilities
The new advisory position for Ukraine is not Freeland's only recent high-profile appointment. Months prior, she was named warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust, the charity overseeing the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships for study at the University of Oxford. Freeland herself is a Rhodes scholar.
Despite these new international and academic roles, Freeland has yet to announce when she will step down as the Member of Parliament for the Toronto riding of University-Rosedale. Her deep personal connection to Ukraine, given her Ukrainian heritage and long-standing vocal support for the country throughout the war, adds a layer of personal commitment to her new advisory capacity. The move underscores the ongoing ties between Canadian political figures and Ukraine's defence and rebuilding efforts on the world stage.
