Zelenskyy names Canada's ex-finance minister as economic adviser in Ukraine

"Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has named Canada's former finance minister Chrystia Freeland as an adviser on economic development, a move he says will help strengthen the internal resilience of the war-torn nation. Chrystia is highly skilled in these matters and has extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations, he wrote 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,"

"The move comes amid a major government shake-up in Kyiv, as Zelenskyy replaces several key figures. The Ukrainian president appointed the popular head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, as his new chief of staff last week, after Andriy Yermak, formerly his closest confidant, was forced to resign in late November. On Monday, Vasyl Maliuk, the powerful head of the SBU security service, resigned under pressure from Zelenskyy, meaning a change of leadership in all three of Ukraine's intelligence services."

"Freeland has long advocated for Ukraine to realize its economic potential, which she said has gone unrealized in part because of its historic ties to Russia. Her appointment to the new role comes as western leaders, including Canada's prime minister Mark Carney, convene in Paris to discuss ways to end the four-year war, which began when Russia invaded in February 2022."

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named Canada's former finance minister Chrystia Freeland as an adviser on economic development to strengthen Ukraine's internal resilience. Freeland brings experience attracting investment and implementing economic transformations. Strengthening internal resilience is presented as necessary both for recovery if diplomacy succeeds quickly and to reinforce defense if international support delays prolong the war. The appointment accompanies a major government shake-up in Kyiv with Kyrylo Budanov appointed chief of staff after Andriy Yermak's resignation, and Vasyl Maliuk's resignation from the SBU, producing changes across the intelligence services. New advisers include individuals who speak Ukrainian and have deep ancestral ties to Ukraine.

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