Australia is stepping up pressure on Russia by banning uranium sales and opening an embassy in Kiev.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the interim embassy will assist nine Australian Federal Police officers in Ukraine who are investigating the downed flight MH17.

The government is also considering short-term support to Ukraine through aid and “non-lethal military assistance”, he told parliament on Wednesday.

It will consider a civil and military capacity build-up in Ukraine in the medium term.

The prime minister says Australia will do whatever it can to help its friends.

“I am pleased that our flag will shortly fly alongside Ukraine’s as a sign of our support in these troubled times,” he said.

Mr Abbott said Australia would no longer sell uranium to Russia until further notice.

“Australia has no intention of selling uranium to a country which is so obviously in breach of international law as Russia currently is.”

Meanwhile, Mr Abbott has confirmed he hopes to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement that will enable Australia to sell uranium to India.

Mr Abbott will leave for India later on Wednesday for trade and security talks.

“My hope is to deepen the friendship between Australia and India at a time of renewed optimism in India under the new government of prime minister Modi,” Mr Abbott said.

“I am hoping to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement that will enable uranium sales by Australia to India.”

The Greens and uranium groups have raised concerns about the agreement.