Pashutin replaces Vasily Karasev, whose four-month spell in charge ended following Russia's disappointing performance at the European Championships in Slovenia in September.

Russia, the European champions in 2007 when Pashutin was assistant to American David Blatt, won only one game and finished bottom of their group, failing to qualify for next year's World Cup after several of the country's top players missed the tournament. 

It was a massive disappointment after the team had won the Olympic bronze medal at London 2012.

Russia won the Olympic bronze medals at London 2012 but have failed to qualify for next year's World Cup ©Getty Images

"I'd like to thank everyone for the trust, I'm ready to work day and night," Pashutin said.

He led Lokomotiv to the Eurocup last season, Europe's second-tier basketball competition behind the Euroleague.

"Besides tactics and training process, we will have to improve relations with the players and fans," added the 44-year-old, whose contract runs until the end of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

"It is a big responsibility and a huge volume of work."

Pashutin has also been head coach at Spartak St Petersburg, CSKA Moscow, who he led to the 2010 Final Four in Paris, and UNICS Kazan, where he won the Eurocup in 2011, before steering the team to last year's Euroleague playoffs.

He also led Russia's under-20 team to European gold in 2005.

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