Overview
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decree No. 15/2026 on January 5 appointing Freeland as an out‑of‑staff adviser on economic development.
- Zelenskyy said Ukraine must boost internal resilience for either rapid reconstruction through diplomacy or stronger defense if partner support lags.
- Freeland said she will serve on a volunteer basis and is stepping down as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
- She added she will soon resign her Canadian parliamentary seat, and Prime Minister Mark Carney praised her move and reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine.
- Ukrinform has reported she is set to lead the Rhodes Trust, and her background includes multiple parliamentary terms and service as Canada’s deputy prime minister.