As President-elect Donald Trump finalizes his picks for key roles in his incoming administration, Russians are closely monitoring the appointments and speculating on the potential impacts for Moscow.
Russian state TV has been actively discussing the choices made by Trump, particularly focusing on what they could mean for Russians and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
One prominent figure on Russian state TV criticized Mike Waltz, Trump's selection for national security adviser, highlighting Waltz's past comments on Ukraine and Russia. Waltz has expressed reservations about continued US support for Ukraine and has not ruled out pressuring Russia to come to the negotiating table. He also referred to Russia as 'a gas station with nukes' in a recent interview.
On the other hand, another commentator on the same show welcomed the appointment of former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, praising her understanding of Russia's actions in Ukraine and her criticism of US support for Kyiv.
Meanwhile, on the streets of Moscow, the general public seems less informed about the incoming administration, with one individual mentioning Elon Musk's potential role in a new Department of Government Efficiency. The individual praised Musk for his efforts to improve the planet and wished him success in his new position.
