Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Australia to help arm his country and send Bushmaster armoured vehicles to help his forces fight against Russia.
Mr Zelenskyy made the comments in a special address to MPs and senators gathered in the House of Representatives.
Speaking via a translator, he said Ukraine needed weapons as well as sanctions against Russia and its supporters.
"Most of all we have to keep those who are fighting against this evil armed," he said.
"For example you have very good armoured personnel vehicles, Bushmasters, that could help Ukraine substantially, and other pieces of equipment that could strengthen our position in terms of armament.
"If you have an opportunity to share this with us we would be very grateful."
Asked if the government would consider sending Bushmaster armoured vehicles to Ukraine, Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the government was considering what was practical.
"We'll continue to work closely with Ukraine in terms of what Australia can most practically, and most beneficially, provide to support Ukraine," he said.
"And that has been in the form already of missiles, of protective equipment, support in a range of ways and we'll keep working through that."
The President said that while the war could not destroy Ukraine's freedom, dignity or independence, it should send a message to other countries that they too could find themselves in a similar situation.
"Whatever is happening in our region because of the Russian aggression has been a real threat to your country and your people as well, because this is the nature of the evil," Mr Zelenskyy said.
"It can instantly cross any distance, any barriers and destroy lives.
"For dozens of years there hasn't been the threat of nuclear attack that we have now because Russian propagandists are openly discussing the possibility of using nuclear weapons against those who don't want to subdue to Russian commands."
Mr Zelenskyy referenced the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 by Russian-backed separatists over eastern Ukraine in 2014, with the loss of all onboard, including 38 Australians.
He said if Russia had been punished by the West for its involvement in the event, the war may never have happened.
"Did we manage to hold accountable those who caused this tragedy? No. Because they're hiding in Russia," he said.
"So the unpunished evil comes back.
"If the world had punished Russia in 2014 for what it did, there wouldn't be this invasion in Ukraine in 2022."
The President urged Australian leaders to do everything possible to make sure that Russia was punished for the invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy a 'lion of democracy'
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese each addressed Mr Zelenskyy, with Mr Morrison announcing $25 million in extra support for Ukraine.
"Here today, in Australia's home of democracy, we welcome you as a lion of democracy," he said.
"Yes, you have our prayers, but you also have our weapons [and] our military aid.
"We stand with you, Mr President, and we do not stand with the war criminal of Moscow."
Mr Albanese said the parliament was "honoured" to hear from the President.
"For you to share precious minutes with us at a time like this is an act of profound generosity, and we thank you," he said.
"[Vladimir] Putin and the regime that enables him will be met with determination and escalating consequences ... his attempt to divide the West has brought us closer together.
"As you stand up to this latest tyrant you are showing us what true courage is, your excellency, it is a courage that is embodied by you."
