Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko (R) and his wife Maryna walk during a visit to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Pic: AFP LUKAS COCH. Source: AFP

“Looking at the world from here one doesn’t give a feeling something goes wrong but it does and the international relations are in turmoil,” Mr Poroshenko told a packed event in Sydney hosted by Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston.

“Ukraine is burning. Europe is dangerously close to slipping back to the Cold War, really.”

“This crisis, artificial as it is, won’t just go away. They need to be tackled and it will put a burden on every nation who takes freedom seriously.”

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko places a poppy at the Australian War Memorial on the first day there has been no shelling in Ukraine in 24 hours. Pic: AFP/JASON REED Source: AFP

While fans of the newly elected President waited outside with flags and flowers, Mr Poroshenko used his speech to outline events in the most tumultuous year in Ukraine’s 23-year history.

Since the “revolution of dignity” saw one million people take to the streets in minus 20 degree temperatures to protest, the country has seen elections, the annexation of Crimea and suffered the tragic downing of MH17 in which 38 Australians were killed.

It continues to suffer instability in eastern regions controlled by Russian-rebels. Mr Poroshenko used his speech to warn the crowd that “Russia is making a mistake of massive proportions”.

While he stopped short of appealing for direct help, President Poroshenko said he wanted to thank Australia for “feeling our pain”.

“Please be with us,” he said. “Together the whole world can bring peace and stability.”

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko (R) and his wife Maryna (R). Pic: AFP/JASON REED Source: AFP

The comments come during the first visit President Poroshenko has made to Australia since his election in May. He said the MH17 crash had created a “unique solidarity” for the two countries and has this week discussed the potential for a greater bilateral relationship in terms of uranium exports, logistics and trade with the government.

Today’s speech was significant in that it marked the first 24 hours in seven months there has been a “real” ceasefire in Ukraine.

“This is the first night when I don’t have either a lost or wounded Ukrainian soldier,” he said.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has also used his visit to announce Australia will open an embassy in Kiev in January.

Career diplomat, Doug Trappett has been named as the first to serve and will work out of the Canadian embassy. He has previously worked in Rome, Yangon and the UAE and was sent to Kiev to manage the Australian response to MH17.