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Former UK PM Sunak Steps In to Advise Ukraine on Post-War Economic and Energy Recovery
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken up an unpaid role advising Ukraine’s government on its economic renewal, particularly focusing on rebuilding the country’s energy sector ahead of next winter, The Independent reported on February 27.
Sunak’s involvement was revealed through documents published by the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards, marking his new role as part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s International Advisory Council for the Economic Renewal of Ukraine.
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The urgency of the council’s focus on energy resilience is underscored by Russia’s relentless assault on the Ukrainian grid. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) recently designated these targeted attacks on power and heating systems as crimes against humanity, detailing a deliberate Russian campaign to destroy civilian living conditions
The advisory council will provide expert guidance to both President Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s economic adviser, former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Sunak expressed his honor in supporting Ukraine, praising the resilience and leadership demonstrated by the Ukrainian people amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022.
“The West needs a strong Ukraine, and a strong Ukraine needs a strong economy,” Sunak said. “I am delighted to join the international group advising President Zelenskyy 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.”
During the council’s first meeting, which took place on February 26, discussions centered on strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience, particularly in light of recent Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Other key topics included investment opportunities, particularly in the country’s defense industry, according to The Independent.
Key international figures including World Bank President Ajay Banga and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development President Odile Renaud-Basso, along with representatives from major companies such as Siemens, BlackRock, and Citigroup, participated in the discussions.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the international partners, stating: “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.”
Sunak’s new advisory role adds to his growing list of post-premiership appointments. While continuing his role as an MP for Richmond and Northallerton, Sunak also holds advisory positions with Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and AI firm Anthropic.
He has also taken on roles with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, and the Blavatnik School of Government. Additionally, Sunak runs a math charity with his wife, Akshata Murty, and donates most of his income from these roles to charity, The Independent wrote.
Earlier, on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal visited one of Kyiv’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants alongside Ukraine’s international allies.
The visit, which included prominent guests such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and the Presidents of Finland, Estonia, and other European nations, highlighted the severe impact of Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
During the visit, the Minister reflected on the devastating consequences of Russian missile and drone strikes. He emphasized, “At such sites, war ceases to be just a statistic or an image on a screen. Here, it is clear that Russia is waging war against light, heat, and the ability to live normally.”
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-c439b7bd9030ecf9d5a4287dc361ba31.jpg "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
-4fb9b7a8fa249534d7f7be99bc37ab26.jpg "Russia Declares Missile Alert Across 13 Regions for First Time Since 2022")
-91fb9586e5f33e0cdb666f601481986c.jpg "Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system mounter on heavy Belarusian-made MZKT-7930 chassis moments before being hit by Ukrainian drones, February 27, 2026. (Source: Exilenova_plus)")
