Great Britain will play host to former Davis Cup champions Russia in their opening tie of next season's tournament.
The Russians lifted the trophy as recently as 2006 but lost their place in the elite World Group at the weekend when they were beaten in a play-off in Brazil.
Still, the Russians will represent tough opposition and GB will likely need Andy Murray back in their ranks to stand a chance of progressing. The US Open champion opted not to play in the event in 2012.
Both sides were handed byes in the first round of Europe-Africa Zone I - the second tier of the competition. The tie is scheduled to take place from April 5-7.
The winners will play-off in September for a place in the 2014 World Group.
Meanwhile, holders Spain must travel to Canada in their opening match of the 2013 competition.
The top seeds, who will play the Czech Republic in this year's final in November, were drawn away in Wednesday's World Group draw in London.
The Canadians boast the big-serving Milos Raonic in their ranks and seem likely too choose a fast surface to negate Spain's claycourt skills.
Meanwhile, the Czechs will also be on the road - they face a tricky trip to Switzerland where Roger Federer could well be in opposition.
The Czech Republic are seeded to face Argentina in the semi-finals - as they did this year. The Argentines host Germany first up. The winners of that will play France or Israel.
The other tie in the bottom half looks the weakest of the first round. It sees Kazakhstan entertain Austria.
Back in the top half, Spain will play either Italy or Croatia in round two if they progress.
The Spanish are seeded to face Novak Djokovic's Serbia in the last four. The Serbs start away in Belgium and will play the winners of USA v Brazil if they emerge victorious.
All the first-round ties are scheduled to take place from February 1-3 - less than a week after the conclusion of the Australian Open.
Full World Group draw: Canada v Spain, Italy v Croatia, Belgium v Serbia, USA v Brazil, France v Israel, Argentina v Germany, Kazakhstan v Austria, Switzerland v Czech Republic.
Update:
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