New Aust ambassador to Russia named

Senior diplomat Peter Tesch is Australia's next ambassador to Russia, replacing Paul Myler who has held the position since 2013.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Mr Tesch, currently head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, international security division, took up this job at a challenging juncture in Russia's relationship with Australia and many other nations.

"We seek to resolve conflict in eastern Ukraine and Syria and pursue justice for the victims of flight MH17. We have, however, worked productively together as chairs of the G20 in 2013 and 2014," she said in a statement.