Ivana Kottasova and Alanna Petroff – Putin prepares Russia for massive privatization drive

Russia’s economic crisis is so bad that President Vladimir Putin is now hoping to sell stakes in some of the nation’s most prized businesses to raise money. Putin discussed the privatization plans with officials on Monday, saying the sales should be made quickly but not at “bargain basement prices,” according to a government statement. Strategically important companies should not be up for …