President Vladimir Putin has defended the Russian state’s takeover of the main asset of the Yukos oil giant, saying the first post-Soviet renationalization was to ensure the national interests. “Today the state, using absolutely legal market mechanisms, is protecting its interests. I consider that absolutely normal”, Putin told an annual press conference in the Kremlin, referring to the acquisition by state petroleum company Rosneft of Yukos’ core oil-pumping subsidiary, Yuganskneftegaz. On December 23, Rosneft became the new owner of Yuganskneftegaz after buying the mystery firm that had won a secretive auction for the massive Siberian concern, owner of 17 percent...