While the United States talks about punitive measures against Russia for its quick takeover of the Crimean Peninsula following the ouster of Ukraine’s pro-Russia regime, Washington’s closest ally appears to be on the verge of ruling out economic sanctions.

UK Freelance photographer Steve Back snapped a photo of a document in the hands of an unnamed Downing Street official, and the contents cut the legs out from under the idea of sanctions against Russia.  It seeks to exempt London from any international action against Moscow, using phrases such as:  “Not support, for now, trade sanctions.. or close London's financial centre to Russians.”;  “Discourage any discussions (eg at Nato) of contingency military preparations”;  Draw up a technical assistance package for Ukraine “ideally jointly with Germany”.

The document was in the hands of an unnamed official attending a meeting of the UK National Security Council called by the prime minister to discuss the Ukrainian crisis.  The NSC did not make any decisions at the meeting, according to officials.  Over the weekend, Germany's Foreign Minister said that kicking Russia out of the G8 would be a bad idea.