In Brussels, Mr Kuleba also warned allies against over-promising, claiming that several nations had not yet delivered Patriot air defence systems pledged earlier this summer.

“Good progress has been made and announcements were made, but again, some Patriot systems were announced and not delivered yet,” the minister said.

Kyiv has around five Patriot batteries – two supplied by the US and three by Germany.

Romania, the Netherlands and Spain have indicated they would help by supplying further systems and ammunition, but there has been no confirmation of their arrival in the war-torn country.

“We are, as you are, entering a school year, and we have to protect our cities. We have to protect our children. So I will urge all partners who have made their pledges to finally deliver these systems,” Mr Kuleba said.

He added: “Some complain about bureaucracy … some argue that there are delicate internal moments in their politics such as elections. There is always an explanation.

“We pay for all these delays with damage and the loss of lives.”