British former minister Tobias Ellwood has warned the West is "in denial" about the power of Vladimir Putin, who is "now more powerful than Stalin".
He was asked about a call from ex-defence minister James Heappey for the UK to consider sending troops to Ukraine.
These troops would hypothetically provide training - and not go to the front line.
Mr Ellwood said: "We've done well to support Ukraine, more so perhaps than other nations. What's happening in Ukraine is very worrying indeed.
"Step back at the bigger picture... no one doubts that the world is feeling ever more dangerous, but we dare not contemplate where history is taking us."