Zelensky appoints Freeland his economic development advisor

MOSCOW. Jan 12 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has appointed Canada's special representative for Ukraine's reconstruction and former Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland his advisor on economic development, Ukrainian media reported.

"I appointed Chrystia Freeland as an Advisor on Economic Development. Chrystia is highly skilled in these matters and has extensive experience in attracting investment and implementing economic transformations," the media quoted Zelensky as saying on social media on Monday, January 5.

"To appoint Hristya Freeland advisor to the President of Ukraine on economic development (out of state)," a decree, published on Zelensky's website, said.

Freeland, born in 1968, has Ukrainian roots, speaks the Ukrainian language. Before her political career, she was a journalist and writer, and began her journalistic career in Ukraine as a stringer for Western publications.

In 2013, she became a member of Canadian parliament from the Liberal Party, in 2015-2017, she headed the Canadian Ministry of International Trade, in 2017-2019 - the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in 2019-2020 - the Canadian Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, in 2020-2024 - the Finance Ministry, and served as Canada's deputy prime minister. Since September 16, 2025, she has been Canada's special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine.