Britain is considering sending anti-air missiles to Ukraine to help the country defend its skies, the Defence Secretary has said.
Ben Wallace said the estimated number of Ukrainian civilians killed or injured is more than 1,000 - and warned "worse is likely to come".
Ukraine is facing "its darkest hour" but Britain is proving increased defensive support to the country's forces, he said.
In a statement to MPs, he said: "In response to a Ukrainian request, the Government has taken the decision to explore the donation of Starstreak high-velocity manned portable anti-air missiles.
"We believe that this system will remain within the definition of defensive weapons but will allow the Ukrainian force to better defend their skies.
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"We shall also be increasing the supplies of rations, medical equipment and other non-lethal military aid."
The move would mark a significant step up in military support for Ukraine if it is rubber-stamped by the British Government.
The UK has insisted it will not put troops on the ground in Ukraine but, along with NATO allies, it will supply defensive support to President Zelensky's troops.
The Defence Secretary stressed the Government is "bound by the decision to supply defensive systems" and not escalate the war.
Western officials say Russia’s military advance remains “very slow” with “minimal progress” over the last 24 hours - partly due to the Ukrainians’ resistance and partly due to logistical and execution problems with Russian troops.
But an official said they remain “very concerned about risk of escalation”, with leaders in the Western Balkans “very tense” and worried about “where Russia might go next”.
A Western official added the possibility of the UK giving Ukraine Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles was subject to review with no decisions made so far.
Officials drew a distinction between anti-aircraft missiles and sending jets - saying missiles can only be used defensively, not offensively.
Mr Wallace told MPs that more than 1,000 Ukrainian civilians are believed to have been killed or injured during the Russian bombardment.
He added: "The true figure is expected to be much higher and I'm afraid worse is likely to come.
"It's for that reason that the UK will increase its funding for Ukraine to £220 million, which includes £120 million of humanitarian aid."
The civilian population in Ukraine is suffering "horrendous hardships", with more than 200 schools damaged or destroyed and media showing strikes hitting kindergarten, he said.
He warned Russia's military campaign will "get more brutal and more indiscriminate" and Vladimir Putin has ratcheted up threats against allies of Ukraine.
"But it is my firm belief that our strength to stand up to such bullying comes from our alliances," Mr Wallace said.
"We should take strength from the peoples right across Europe who are standing shoulder to shoulder to protect our values, our freedom, our tolerance, our democracy and our free press. That is our shield."
