Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has announced a sweeping privatization scheme as part of efforts to plug the country's budget deficit.
"Only a limited number of assets ensuring the national and economic security should remain in government possession," Yanukovych said, speaking to parliament on Tuesday. "Other objects will be put up for sale."
On Monday, Ukraine’s gas monopoly Naftogaz said it could be split into three firms as part of a restructuring scheme ordered by Yanukovych last week.
"Naftogaz will be restructured to emerge as a completely transparent natural gas production company," Prime Minister Mykola Azarov told reporters in Kiev on Monday.
He added that Russia would be most welcome to have a stake in the new venture.
