UK Anti-Doping is to take control of drug testing athletes in Russia.

The country's own anti-doping body is currently not compliant with worldwide standards, and Russia's track and field stars are banned from all international athletics competitions.

The decision was approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which suspended Russia's anti-doping body RUSADA in November.

"WADA is pleased to confirm that an agreement between UKAD [UK Anti-Doping], RUSADA and WADA has been signed. RUSADA and UKAD are in the final stages of agreeing on the detail required to deliver a testing programme during RUSADA’s period of non-compliance," said WADA in a statement.

"As part of the project, UKAD will initiate a Test Distribution Plan (TDP) to ensure that the necessary testing takes place during RUSADA’s period of non-compliance. UKAD will ensure that targeted and intelligence-led testing is carried out on Russian athletes, and is responsible for continued coordination with the appropriate sport federations during this period. Results management of all cases will be managed by a designated independent body, with full oversight by WADA.

"Separately, WADA is working directly with RUSADA, assisting the agency in its efforts to regain Code compliance."