Former prime minister Tony Abbott has stepped up his support for Ukraine, joining a meeting of international figures headed by the country's president, Petro Poroshenko.

Key points: Tony Abbott arrives in Ukraine, joining Ukraine-led advisory council

Tony Abbott arrives in Ukraine, joining Ukraine-led advisory council Abbott and others on council described as 'true friend' of nation

Abbott and others on council described as 'true friend' of nation Former PM has built close links with Ukraine since MH17 shooting

Mr Abbott has travelled to Kiev as part of a Ukrainian-led "international advisory council", which includes the former prime ministers of Slovakia and Lithuania.

"It is an honour to be in Kiev, Ukraine as a member of President Poroshenko's International Advisory Council," Mr Abbott said in a Facebook post.

"Also great to see the development of Kiev since I was last here 30 years ago."

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The aim of the council is to "help build a strong and prosperous Ukraine", according to a statement on the Ukrainian President's website.

"Each of you were an author of economic or democratic miracle in your countries. You are true friends of Ukraine," the statement said.

"That's why I would like to unite our efforts in order to achieve the results and bring positive things to Ukraine.

"I am sure that this Council will help us outlive the period of dramatic events and Ukraine will become stronger."

Mr Abbott also helped unfurl a banner protesting against the detention of Ukrainian fighter pilot Nadiya Savchenko, who faces charges in Russia.

Mr Abbott forged closer ties with Ukraine following the downing of a Malaysian Airlines passenger jet in the east of the country in July 2014, killing 298 passengers and crew.

The former prime minister also threatened to "shirtfront" Russian President Vladimir Putin over his response to the disaster.

Mr Abbott received the inaugural Freedom Award by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations in November 2015 and hosted a visit by Mr Poroshenko in December 2014.

The ABC is to receive a response to a request for information about how Mr Abbott's visit is being funded and how he was chosen to the part of the council.