The United States is reviewing avenues to punish the Russian Federation after its unacceptable invasion of undisputed Georgian territory this past week. Plans being reviewed include throwing Russia out of the G8, while Nato has canceled a long-planned naval exercise with Russian forces.

“It is not business as usual anymore with the Russians, and there are consequences for doing what they are doing,” one senior U.S. official said.

Two senior administration officials said Tuesday that they could not speak for attribution because no final decisions had been made. But the United States will be discussing steps to take with its allies in the NATO alliance and the European Union, they said.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reiterated the United States’ support for the Georgian people and government, and said the U.S. is planning humanitarian and reconstruction aide for the democratic ally. President Bush has said Russia’s move has “substantially damaged Russia’s standing in the world” and that it has jeopardized its relations with the global community.

While the United States may require Russia’s assistance in going forward in regards to Iran, it’s imperative that Russia doesn’t fall under the impression that its actions were acceptable.