Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said people without military training should not travel to Ukraine to fight the Russian invasion.
On Sunday, Secretary of State Liz Truss said she supports those who want to join an international force.
The Ukrainian president said his country is creating a volunteer legion for foreigners who want to fight.
Mr Wallace warned the situation was “dangerous” and that there were other ways to help the country.
The Foreign Office website advises people not to travel to the region, saying: “If you are traveling to eastern Ukraine to fight or to help others involved in the conflict, your activities may constitute offenses against British terrorism or other laws and you could.” be prosecuted on your return to the UK.”
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Calling for volunteers on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky said: “Anyone who wants to join the defense of security in Europe and the world can come and stand side by side with the Ukrainians against the invaders of the 21st century.”
When asked on BBC One’s broadcast on Sunday morning if she would support individuals from the UK going to Ukraine to help in the fight, Ms Truss said: “I support that and of course that’s something people talk about can make their own decisions.
“The people of Ukraine are fighting for freedom and democracy, not just for Ukraine, but for all of Europe, because that is what President Putin is challenging.”
Her comments drew criticism from Conservative MP and Defense Committee chair Tobias Ellwood tweeted: “We say no to contracting the NATO alliance – but now support British civilians without military training to go to Ukraine and fight!”
“Please don’t go if you don’t have combat experience. You could kill yourself and others who have to take care of you.”
Mr Wallace defended the Secretary of State, saying she had not suggested that untrained people should travel to Ukraine.
Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: “If you want to be a fighter, first of all please follow the advice of the Foreign Office because it’s dangerous and secondly get trained and have experience.”
He also said those currently serving in the British Army should not be fighting in Ukraine.
For those who want to help, he advised to donate through the Ukrainian embassy website.
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Labour’s Clive Lewis said “untrained people going into a country where they can’t even read a street sign” were “a burden”, adding: “They’re going to kill themselves, they’re going to have other people killed.” .”
The British government has stressed that British troops will not be sent to fight on the ground.
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