Russian and Ukrainian graves targeted by vandals at Sydney cemetery

More than 70 gravestones in the Russian and Ukrainian section of a cemetery in Sydney's west have been vandalised.

Police are searching for those responsible for the late night break-in at the Rookwood Cemetery on Tuesday night.

As many as 76 gravestones were damaged, with a number of those pushed over and broken.

The incident comes as Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko arrived in Melbourne for a service for the victims of the MH17 disaster.

Mr Poroshenko and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will talk about MH17 during the two-day visit.

Mr Abbott has also said it will be a chance to build cooperation between the two countries, and expressed sympathy for the division Ukraine was suffering at the hands of pro-Russian rebels.

However, police have said there is not yet an indication the presidential visit is connected to the crime.

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has condemned the attack as "deplorable".

"Together with our clergy, we ask the NSW Police - with cemetery authorities - to conduct a full-scale investigation at the highest levels," AFUO's Peter Schmigel said in a statement.

"We ask for the NSW Government’s support for this investigation.

"We ask cemetery authorities to help in supporting affected families."

"Our community is one of tolerance and democratic values," Mr Schmigel said.

"We will always strive to be better than those who act in hatred and violence, and we shall not be provoked.”

Police are encouraging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.