UK defence chief says give Russia chance to de-escalate in Crimea

Britain's Defence Secretary Philip Hammond arrives to attend a Cabinet meeting at Number 10 Downing Street in London March 4, 2014. REUTERS/Olivia Harris

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - If Vladimir Putin follows traditional Russian military doctrine, he may seek to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine and not move beyond annexing Crimea, Britain's defence chief said on Wednesday, adding the West should not militarize the standoff.

British Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said it was important to reduce tensions with the Russian leader over the Crimea by avoiding an aggressive military response from NATO allies and instead using diplomatic and economic levers of influence.