Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has commenced an unpaid advisory position within President Volodymyr Zelensky's International Advisory Council for the Economic Renewal of Ukraine. This development was disclosed on Friday through documents released by the independent adviser on ministerial standards, confirming Sunak's involvement in supporting Ukraine's post-war economic reconstruction efforts.
Sunak's Role in Ukraine's Economic Revival
The advisory council is designed to assemble a panel of international experts to provide counsel to both President Zelensky and his economic adviser, former Canadian deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland. Sunak expressed his honour in supporting Ukraine during his tenure as prime minister and commended Zelensky's leadership alongside the Ukrainian people's remarkable bravery, strength, and ingenuity throughout the ongoing conflict.
In a statement, Sunak emphasised the critical link between Western security and Ukraine's economic vitality. He declared, "The West needs a strong Ukraine, and a strong Ukraine needs a strong economy. So I am delighted to join the international group advising President Zelensky on economic reconstruction. I am confident that Ukraine—with its human capital, its natural resources, and its culture of innovation—can become one of the most dynamic economies in Europe. We can help build a strong and secure Ukraine that will be a keystone of a safer and more prosperous Europe."
First Council Meeting and Key Discussions
Sunak participated in the council's inaugural meeting on Thursday, joining other prominent international figures such as World Bank president Ajay Banga and the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Odile Renaud-Basso. The session also included representatives from major global corporations, including Siemens, BlackRock, Citigroup, and ArcelorMittal.
President Zelensky highlighted the meeting's focus on enhancing Ukraine's energy resilience ahead of the approaching winter, alongside exploring broader investment opportunities, particularly within the nation's defence industry. He posted on social media, "Thank you to the representatives for supporting Ukraine throughout these years of full-scale Russian aggression. Even during the war, after such a winter, our country lives. We are open to partnership, to joint projects, to investments that will support our people and our security. Thank you to everyone who invests in Ukraine's resilience."
Addressing Energy Infrastructure Challenges
Russian assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have posed significant challenges in recent months, with Kyiv accusing Moscow of attempting to weaponise the cold in a country where temperatures frequently plummet well below zero. The advisory council's discussions are therefore timely, aiming to fortify Ukraine's energy systems and ensure stability during the harsh winter conditions.
Sunak's Post-Premiership Engagements
This advisory role marks the latest in a series of appointments for Sunak following his departure from 10 Downing Street. While he continues to serve as the Member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton, Sunak has undertaken advisory positions with Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and the artificial intelligence company Anthropic.
Additionally, he holds a visiting fellowship at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University in California, where he previously studied. Sunak also occupies unpaid roles at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum and the Blavatnik School of Government, contributes a column to the Sunday Times, and manages a mathematics charity alongside his wife, Akshata Murty.
According to his official register of interests, Sunak donates the majority of his income from these non-parliamentary roles to charitable causes, underscoring his commitment to philanthropic endeavours alongside his advisory responsibilities.
