Russian state television has lashed out against new U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul, questioning his credentials and suggesting he arrived with an agenda to support opposition leaders and promote revolution, AP reported.

Russia's Channel One criticisized McFaul's appointment in a segment that aired Tuesday, January 17 night, McFaul's second day on the job.

Channel One analyst Mikhail Leontev said "the fact is that McFaul is not an expert on Russia." He says "he is a specialist purely in the promotion of democracy."

McFaul earlier met separately with opposition and civil leaders. The meetings were his first official receptions at the embassy.

McFaul, regarded as a leading expert on U.S. relations with Russia, has been a key figure in the Obama administration's initiative to "reset" relations.