MOSCOW (AFP) - Dynamo Moscow kicked off their new Russian Premier League campaign on Sunday with a stunning 7-3 demolition of Rostov.

Russian international forward Alexander Kokorin scored a hat-trick, while veteran German striker Kevin Kuranyi added a brace.

Congo star Christopher Samba and Hungary winger Balazs Dzsudzsak were also on target, while Rostov replied with a brace from forward Dmitry Poloz and a goal by Moldovan midfielder Alexander Gatskan.

On Saturday, Dynamo signed France international playmaker Mathieu Valbuena from Marseille to boost their line-up ahead of the Europa League third qualifying round return leg against Hapoel Kiryat Shmona of Israel.

Dynamo were held to a 1-1 draw by the Israeli club in the first leg.

"Unlike Thursday's match with Hapoel, today our attackers played very effectively," said Dynamo manager Stanislav Cherchesov.

"It's an encouraging sign ahead of the return leg. But I'm still concerned about our defence. They were much less impressive and allowed Rostov too much in attack especially in the first half.

Two-time former champions Lokomotiv Moscow were held to a drab 0-0 draw by FC Krasnodar while in Sunday's other match, Kuban Krasnodar defeated newly-promoted Ufa 2-0.

Vladislav Ignatiev put Kuban ahead after 18 minutes before Bulgarian midfielder Ivelin Popov rounded off the scoring 14 minutes from time.

Reigning champions CSKA Moscow and last season's runners-up Zenit St Petersburg began the new season in winning fashion on Saturday, defeating Torpedo Moscow 4-1 and Arsenal Tula 4-0 respectively.

On Monday, Terek Grozny will take on Amkar Perm.