Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Australian parliament via video link on Thursday, AFP reported.

Zelensky said, "there was never such threat of nuclear strikes as there is now" and asked for stronger sanctions and military aid in the form of weapons.

"For decades, there was never such a threat of nuclear strikes as there is now. Because Russian officials - officials and state propagandists - are openly discussing the possibility of using nuclear weapons against those who do not want to comply with Russian demands," Zelensky said.

He added, "New sanctions against Russia are needed. Strong sanctions. Until it renounces nuclear blackmail, the blockade of the sea, it must pay the highest price. No Russian ship should be allowed into the ports of the free world. Buying Russian oil means paying for the destruction of the foundations of global security. Any business activity with Russia must be completely stopped. Not a dollar to destroy people."