Chrystia Freeland: special envoy to Ukraine?
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Ivan Katchanovski (English only)
Part-time Professor, School of Political Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences
Professor Katchanovski’s expertise includes Ukraine, armed conflict and he has a forthcoming book about the Russia-Ukraine war and its origins.
“Chrystia Freeland as special international envoy for Ukraine would be problematic for both Trump and Putin.”
Elie Banyongen ( English & French)
Part-time Professor, School of Political Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences
Professor Banyongen is an expert in international communications, political communications, and international relations.
“Considering how distant the next Federal election may be and that we are now on the verge (once the ceasefire is achieved) of reconstruction in Ukraine, Minister Freeland might believe this is the right moment to assume a new role. This would connect two of her key qualities: her professional background in foreign policy and international negotiations, and her personal interest stemming from her Ukrainian descent.”
Errol Mendes (English only)
Full Professor, Common Law Section, Faculty of Law and former Director, Human Rights Research and Education Centre.
Professor Mendes’ expertise touches on constitutional and human rights law, corporate law, global governance, public international law (including humanitarian and international criminal law).
“I think this appointment to Ukraine may be a place holder while Canada, including PM Carney pushing Freeland to be the next UN Secretary-General and the first woman to hold that position.
It is also an excellent appointment for Ms. Freeland, given her family roots in Ukraine and her experience as a former finance minister who knows most of the European and G7 finance ministers. She could play a key role in finding ways to help finance the considerable funds needed to keep the Ukrainian economy afloat and fund a war that could last for many more years. She is also one of the foremost experts on how to use Russia's frozen billions to finance Ukraine so that it can continue to wage war and, hopefully, win it.”