Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has hailed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the “Lion of Democracy”.

Zelenskyy joined in Australian Parliament from Kiev on Thursday. Before his speech, Scott Morrison welcomed him and said, “We welcome you (Zelenskyy) as the lion of democracy.”

“We are with you, Mr. President,” said Scott Morrison. And we did not support war criminals in Moscow, he added.

Australian opposition leader Anthony Albanese said the Ukrainian president, “When you stand up against an oppressive ruler, you are showing us what true courage is,”

In his speech, Zelenskyy requested to Australia to tighten sanctions against Russia. “Putin’s actions represent a threat to all democracies. Russia has started a full-scale war against us. They are killing our civilians and children.” he said.

“We know our dreams are invincible and immortal, especially if we get support of the open world,” Zelenskyy said in a statement.

In the wake of Zelenskyy ‘s speech, Australia has stepped up military aid to Ukraine. On the same day, Scott Morrison announced another 25 million in military aid to Ukraine. “This is in response to a direct request from the Ukrainian government,” Morrison said.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Morrison government has provided about 157 million in humanitarian and military assistance and refugee resettlement to Ukraine.

In addition, the federal government has promised to issue a three-year temporary humanitarian visa for Ukrainians this year as well as next year.

The Australian federal government has already implemented a long list of sanctions against Russia. 500 Russian individuals and organizations have been blacklisted including Imports of oil, coal and gas from Russia have been banned.

Earlier last month, Zelenskyy made speech on the parliaments of the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.