Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko meets Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Melbourne. (Picture: Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Mr Abbott said attempts by some countries, such as the former USSR, to obliterate religion had failed because “faith arouses something deep within the human heart”.

“Here in this splendid church I should acknowledge the part that faith has played in our culture, in our public life, in the culture and public life of civilised countries,” he said.

“Our democracy is inspired by the gospel insight that every human being is born with equal rights and dignity in the eyes of God, and justice is inspired by the gospel insight that each of us should treat others as we would have them treat us in turn.”

Mr Abbott received a rousing ovation from Ukrainian community members at their Catholic cathedral in North Melbourne, which was also attended by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko who is in Australia on a state visit.

Outside the cathedral, Mr Abbott told the Herald Sun: “Faith is a private thing for individuals but it’s been an important cultural dimension for many countries as well.”

In his address to the congregation, Mr Poroshenko strongly praised Mr Abbott, saying he was one of the most popular foreign politicians in Ukraine.

“All I can say is, shirtfront must have translated well in Ukraine,” Mr Abbott joked.

“It's nice to be popular, if only in Kiev."

Mr Poroshenko said he appreciated the PM’s shirtfront comment directed at Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

“Very much, very much, I consider Australia is one of our closest partners and what was demonstrated is really impressive,” he told the Herald Sun.

Earlier, it was revealed that Ukraine may supply Ukraine with uranium and coal as the European nation faces uncertainty over its energy needs due to its conflict with Russia.

Mr Poroshenko said the issue had been discussed with Mr Abbott in talks today.

Mr Abbott said Australia was helping Ukraine with nonlethal military aid and it was considering the possibility of uranium sales as Ukraine faced energy security issues.

"The side we take is the side of freedom, self-determination and democracy," he said at a joint media conference with Mr Poroshenko in Melbourne today.

Mr Abbott said that when appropriate he wanted to visit eastern Ukraine to unveil a monument to the victims if the MH17 tragedy.

Mr Abbott said that if there was found to be Russian involvement in the shooting down of the Malaysian Airlines jet, then the Russians should be brought before investigators and prosecutors.

Mr Abbott said that Ukraine faced “a grave external threat” and he would stand by Mr Poroshenko in the country’s hour of need.

“I’d like to offer him as much personal support as I can,” he said.

john.masanauskas@news.com.au