MOSCOW, June 24 - Russia's parliament on Thursday is likely to approve former health minister Mikhail Zurabov as ambassador to Ukraine, Reuters reported, citing local news agencies.

Zurabov will replace Viktor Chernomyrdin who was dismissed this month after 8 years as ambassador.

The appointment is being closely watched after tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated this winter when a gas dispute disrupted gas supplies to European customers for nearly two weeks.