The US has already approved $US44.2 billion in military aid for Ukraine, but Democrats and Republicans have been sharply divided over continuing support, with allies of former president Donald Trump insisting the funds be spent on domestic issues, including border security.

Forrest said although Australia was not part of NATO, its taxpayers were spending more than 2 per cent of GDP in defence annually, and was a key partner in countering China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

“We are critical to the United States ... we’re pivotal in the Asia-Pacific, in the global south, for United States outreach of power [and] that will dwindle to dust with the Australian electorate if the United States is being seen in any way – by any leader – as being pro-Russia,” he said.

According to a statement from Zelensky’s office, the president thanked Forrest for his active public support of Ukraine and assistance in implementing humanitarian projects, in particular the construction of housing for internally displaced Ukrainian families who had lost their homes due to the war.

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In November 2022, Forrest committed $740 million to a global Ukraine investment fund for reconstruction.

Zelensky’s office said during the meeting, special attention was paid to the issues of rebuilding Ukraine, involving large global financial and industrial companies in projects to “restore our country from the consequences of Russian aggression”.

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