By Dominic Giannini in Canberra

A long term aid plan for Ukraine similar to other nations could provide more certainty and help the embattled nation expel the Russian invasion, its ambassador in Australia says.

Kyiv would welcome a plan similar to that of the US or Japan as it continued efforts to dispel Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko said.

“There are similar arrangements with other countries so I would be very keen to talk and negotiate with the Australian government an opportunity for more long-term co-operation of what we can expect,” he said on Friday.

Standing alongside European ambassadors in Australia in a show of solidarity, he called for aid sent to the besieged nation to be seen as an investment in security rather than charity.

The war was directly impacting the international economy, he added.

“We see how it’s really impacting Australia right now, we see the increasing pressure on the cost of living, higher prices of fuel,” he said.

He remains in contact with the Australian government about more support, including working with the local defence industry and experts to help prop up Ukraine’s defence.

“To defeat Putin on behalf of the West and behalf of Australia, we need to have conclusive military capabilities to do so,” Mr Myroshnychenko said.

“Drone production and anti-drone equipment and mine-clearing equipment.

“The defence industry in Australia, it’s quite developed and quite advanced.”

The European Union has announced a more than $80 billion package to provide Ukraine with regular financial support up until 2027.

Support for Kyiv was unwavering, European ambassador in Australia Gabriele Visentin said.

“This war of aggression is a war against basic principles that should underpin our living together,” he said.

“Ukrainians are fighting for all of us.”

The UK High Commission in Canberra has also been lit up in Ukraine’s blue and yellow as High Commissioner Vicki Treadell met with Mr Myroshnychenko to mark the second anniversary of the war.

It will remain illuminated over the weekend.

Protests are also expected outside the Russian embassy on Saturday to mark the anniversary.

Australia for UNHCR has called for more aid to be announced.

“Families are sheltering in crowded accommodation centres or badly damaged houses with no piped water, gas or electricity, while a bitter winter increases the need for life-saving aid,” CEO Trudi Mitchell said.

The Australian government has provided about $960 million in support for Ukraine including 120 armoured Bushmaster vehicles.

Australian personnel have also assisted in training Ukrainian soldiers in the UK.