Interviews following the third match against Belarus

Interviews were taken following the fourth game of the 2025 Liga Stavok National Team Tour.

Head coach Roman Rotenberg:

"Due to some guys playing in the NHL, KHL and MHL, and others sitting on the sidelines with injuries and illness, we haven't been able to put together our optimal squad for this tour. On the other hand, the Belarusians have been playing with the same line-up for the past three years. We had our opportunities, but we couldn't take advantage of them. I would also like to thank our fans for the fantastic support which they provided the team with!

"Unfortunately, Prokhor Poltapov received an injury which is bad news for Russia and his club CSKA Moscow. We do have issues with the officiating. Prokhor has been excellent for us this season, he took a leading role at the Channel One Cup in December. I wish him a speedy recovery!"

Defenseman Ilya Karpukhin:

"Regardless of what tournament we're competing in, we hate losing. No one in our team likes suffering defeats! We can't make any excuses, instead we need to think about how we can play better."

Forward Danil Aimurzin:

"It's never nice to lose, but the beauty of sport is that you have the opportunity to put things right in the next match. We're only thinking about how we can win our next game. It's great that the arena here in Tolyatti was packed, they supported us really well and I think that they enjoyed the ice hockey which they witnessed - even though we lost."

Forward Prokhor Poltapov:

"Of course, the results of this tour so far have come as a nasty surprise. But, taking into account that the Belarusians play with each other all season long, it's easier for them. Yes, Belarus are allowing us to create chances, but we aren't capitalising on them. This is what's making the difference."