Zelensky appoints Chrystia Freeland as economic adviser on reconstruction

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has appointed Chrystia Freeland, a former Canadian deputy prime minister, as an adviser on economic development who would advise on postwar reconstruction "if peace talks are successful," his office said. Mr. Zelensky cited Ms. Freeland’s expertise in attracting foreign investment and on economic reform and praised her "professional command" of economic policy, but offered few details on her role.

The appointment, the first during the war of such a high-profile Western politician to a government position, comes as the Trump administration has proposed a sweeping U.S. role in Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction. A draft settlement agreement described by Mr. Zelensky foresees the creation of U.S.-controlled investment funds worth hundreds of billions of dollars, drawing on frozen Russian central bank assets (most of which are now held in Belgium), on European Union reconstruction financing and other sources, and calls for allocating at least $200 billion in grants and equity investments.

It was unclear whether Ms. Freeland’s appointment was linked to the draft agreement or whether she would have a role in talks with the Trump administration. Ms.

Key Topics

World, Chrystia Freeland, Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump Administration, Frozen Russian Assets