“We have been working with NATO to ensure that we can provide non-lethal military equipment and medical supplies to support the people of Ukraine,” Mr Morrison said.

Australia has been providing cyber-security training to Ukrainian personnel and has sent medical supplies in previous years,but has repeatedly ruled out sending troops.

Mr Shalkivskyi has said several times Ukraine had not requested Australian troops.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute analyst Marcus Hellyer said it could take time to be sure about the most useful military supplies for Ukraine and that this would require close consultation to avoid sending things with little practical benefit.

“I doubt we’re going to be flying RAAF aircraft into Ukrainian airspace,all of which falls within the Russian missile umbrella,” said Mr Hellyer,a former defence official and terrorism analyst.

“You would hope NATO would coordinate the delivery of the supplies.”

The French government has also promised military supplies to Ukraine while Canada said earlier this month it would send machine guns,hand pistols,carbines and ammunition. Other NATO members have been cautious,however,about involvement in a conflict with Russia.

Our Breaking News Alertwillnotify you of significant breaking news when it happens.Get it here.