Moscow, Safar 26, 1436, Dec 18, 2014, SPA -- Russia will experience economic difficulties for up to two years, but it will use the time to diversify its oil and gas-dominated economy, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, dpa reported. Speaking during his annual marathon press conference in Moscow, Putin brushed off critical questions and argued that state coffers were full enough to weather the crisis, albeit with budget cuts. Putin praised the Central Bank and the government for "making the right decisions" to fight the rouble's collapse earlier this week. The Russian currency crashed to historic lows against the dollar and the euro on Tuesday, despite a massive interest rate hike to 17 per cent. -- SPA 19:08 LOCAL TIME 16:08 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1307485