Russian President Vladimir Putin has named Anatoly Antonov, a career diplomat who is on the European Union's sanctions list because of Moscow's role in the Ukraine, as Russia's new ambassador to the United States.
Antonov, whose appointment was announced on Monday, takes the job at a time when US-Russia relations are badly strained following the approval of a new wave of US sanctions against Moscow, and the Kremlin's decision to sharply cut American diplomatic personnel in Russia.
Antonov succeeds Sergei Kislyak, who found himself in the centre of controversy amid claims of Russia's interference in the US presidential vote.
Kislyak's contacts with members of Trump's team have been part of congressional and FBI investigations into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Russia has denied any interference in the US election.