Belarusian hockey player in Russia explained how to correctly name our country
«Personally, "Belorussiya" grates on my ear».
Homel hockey academy alumnus, forward for Cherepovets' "Severstal" Alexander Skoranau explained to Russian journalists how to correctly name his country, noted "Tribuna".
— Explain, why is it correct to write and say Belarus, and not "Belorussiya"? — the athlete was asked.
— The correct name of our country is the Republic of Belarus. Well, that means specifically Belarus, and not any other way. I don't know for sure if it's correct at all to decline or add anything to the official name.
I've noticed that in Russia they often write "Belorussiya", but I don't know what that's connected with. I believe that one should not change the official name of the country. Personally, "Belorussiya" grates on my ear, — said Skoranau.