**Ukrainians React with Optimism and Worry After Trump Taps Top Administration Members**
The United States has announced several key appointments to President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, including Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary. While some in the US are shocked by the choice, many Ukrainians are cautiously optimistic.
Hegseth, a vocal supporter of Ukraine during the full-scale invasion, has called Russian President Vladimir Putin an “authoritarian” and criticized Biden for not providing enough weapons to Ukraine quickly enough. However, he has also stirred controversy with his comments about Ukraine and NATO.
Some Ukrainians are worried that Hegseth’s appointment may mean less support from the US for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Others are concerned about the influence of billionaire Elon Musk, who has echoed pro-Russian talking points on Ukraine, including proposals to cede territory to Moscow.
**Optimism Despite Concerns**
Despite these concerns, many Ukrainians are cautiously optimistic about the appointments announced so far. They see that none of the new appointees have been known Russian sympathizers, which is a positive sign for Ukraine.
“We will work with everyone,” said Oleksandr Arakhamia, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Ukraine’s parliament, responding to the appointment of Musk and Ramaswamy. “Once all the new appointees have access to intelligence reports and other classified material, I suppose a lot can change in their own assessments of the situation.”
**Focus on China**
Some Western analysts believe that Trump’s reported picks of Waltz and Rubio elevate two known China hawks to key foreign policy positions, signaling that future US foreign policy may center on China.
“We see appointments that are connected to external policies, it’s not people who are known as Russian sympathizers,” said Serhii Fursa, deputy managing director at Kyiv-based investment firm Dragon Capital. “For us, the main problem is Musk’s influence … If he focuses on domestic US problems instead of external policy, we will be very happy.”
**Mixed Reactions**
Overall, Ukrainians are taking a wait-and-see approach to the new appointments. While some are cautiously optimistic, others are worried about the potential implications for Ukraine.
“It’s hard to say now what kind of defense secretary he will be,” said Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Ukraine’s parliament. “I understand that one of the main criteria for Trump when he selects people for his administration is their loyalty, which is quite natural.”
“At the end of the day, what matters is how he will perform his functions and whether he will be an efficient defense secretary,” Merezhko added.
**Kyiv Independent**
This article was written by Kate Tsurkan, Dominic Culverwell, Chris York, Martin Fornusek, Dinara Khalilova, and Natalia Yermak. It is available on the Kyiv Independent website.