Conversation with "Voice of America" journalist and Duma deputy

Up close and personal: conversation with Yulia Savchenko from "Voice of America" and Duma deputy Alexander Pashkov. In a Skype conversation, our students had the chance to discuss Russia's foreign and domestic policy with two proven Russian specialists, specifically the relationship between Russia and the US in light of the election of Donald Trump.

Yulia Savchenko, a journalist and presenter on Voice of America, the official US state broadcaster, joined us directly from Washington. In the middle of the preparations for Donald Trump's swearing-in. The Duma deputy Alexander Pashkov answered our questions afterwards. In the middle of the preparations for Donald Trump's swearing-in. Duma deputy Alexander Pashkov answered our questions afterwards. And these were the questions:

How did both of them find their way into politics and journalism and how did their careers go? What kind of education is required and what experience should one have in order to succeed in their professions?

• What difficulties can arise in their work as journalists or politicians?
• What do Yulia and Alexander personally want to achieve in their professions?
• How are their jobs compatible with their private lives?
• What will the media and politics of both countries look like in the future?
• How will Trump's presidency affect Russian-American relations?

In addition, our students were able to report on the political situation in Switzerland and exchange views on the differences in Russian and Swiss society. After these two exciting Skype conversations, everyone enjoyed a delicious Russian dinner. Good conversations included.