Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has delivered a message to the people of Australia during his landmark speech today (March 31).
Parliament was momentarily paused as Scott Morrison and Opposition leader Anthony Albanese greeted the Ukrainian President, who joined via a video link.
The Prime Minister said Zelenskyy is 'a great friend of Australia' an a 'lion of democracy', while Mr Albanese described the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin 'abhorrent'.
The Ukrainian leader appreciated the warm welcome from his Aussie counterpart and thanked the parliament for letting him speak.
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Zelenskyy said despite their best efforts, Russia has not destroyed the 'dream of Ukraine' and explained how his people have been made indestructible because of the support of Western nations.
However, he warned that if the world does not hold Russia to account, then it could spark more war in the future.
The Ukrainian leader also mentioned how despicable it was for Putin to put his nuclear defences on alert.
He said any nation who uses threats like this should be appropriately punished.
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Zelenskyy also mentioned how Russia escaped without serious consequences for what happened to MH17.
"If the world had punished Russia for what it did in 2014, there would not be any threat of invasion of Ukraine in 2022," he said.
He then added: "The geographical distance between us is huge, but what does this distance mean for those who have a common understanding? Geography doesn't matter."
After ending his speech, he received a standing ovation.
Over the past few weeks, President Zelenskyy has thanked many allied countries for condemning Russia's actions and for imposing sanctions to cripple the country's economy.
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The Guardian reported the Zelenskyy received a standing ovation before the European parliament after he urged them to accept Ukraine’s membership.
"We are fighting for our rights, for our freedom, for our lives, and now we are fighting for our survival."
He also added that the country is fighting 'to be the equal members of Europe'.
He added: "Together with us the European Union will be stronger, but without you Ukraine will be alone."
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While the President has recognised ongoing support from allied countries, he called for increased sanctions against Russia and demanded the US make Ukraine a no-fly zone.
While speaking before the US Congress earlier this month, he praised Joe Biden for his ‘sincere commitment to the defence of Ukraine and democracy all over the world’.
He recalled Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have A Dream' speech as he pleaded for the US to close the sky, The New York Times reported.
"I have a dream. These words are known to each of you today. I can say: I have a need. I need to protect our sky," he said.
"In the darkest time for our country - for the whole Europe - I call on you to do more.
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"Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death for thousands of people.
"Is this a lot to ask for - to create a no-fly zone over Ukraine to save people? Is this too much?"
Topics: Australia
Charisa Bossinakis