• Ukrainian President Zelensky appoints Chrystia Freeland as economic adviser.
• Freeland, a former Canadian deputy PM, is praised for her investment expertise.
• Her role will focus on enhancing Ukraine's economic resilience amidst the war.
• Freeland will leave her position as an MP and as Canada's special representative for Ukraine.
• This appointment comes during a top-level government restructuring in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Canada's former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as his economic development adviser, emphasizing her experience in attracting foreign investment. Zelensky articulated the necessity for Ukraine to enhance its internal resilience, to ensure recovery and defense during ongoing diplomatic efforts amid the prolonged conflict with Russia. He stated on social media, "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," according to Reuters, India Times, and SCMP.

Freeland, who has Ukrainian roots, served as Canada's deputy prime minister from 2019 to 2024 and held various influential positions including Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs, where she managed Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was instrumental in negotiating significant trade agreements. She commented on her new role, stating, "Ukraine is at the forefront of today's global fight for democracy, and I welcome this chance to contribute on an unpaid basis as an economic adviser to [Zelensky]," according to India Times and BBC.

As Freeland transitions to her new role, she will be leaving her seat in the Canadian Parliament and resigning from her position as Canada's special representative for Ukraine's reconstruction. This decision stems from the increasing demands of her advisory role, as outlined by Zelensky, who noted her "extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations," according to SCMP and BBC.

This appointment comes at a time of significant restructuring within the Ukrainian government, with Zelensky also replacing the head of Ukraine's security service as part of an effort to reinforce his administration ahead of crucial peace talks in Paris. Zelensky's focus on both security and economic strategies aims to position Ukraine favorably in international negotiations, especially in light of ongoing tensions with Russia, according to Reuters and BBC.