Russia-Ukraine War: UN Warns on the Looming Food Shortage

According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, rising food prices have exacerbated food insecurity in poorer countries.

Antonio further added that if Ukrainian exports are not restored to pre-war levels, the world could face years-long famines.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. PHOTO FILE 

“Conflict threatens to tip tens of millions of people over the edge into food insecurity followed by malnutrition, mass hunger, and famine,” UN Secretary-General stated.

The conflict has cut off supplies from Ukraine's ports, which used to export massive amounts of sunflower oil as well as cereals like maize and wheat.

This has reduced global supply and driven up the price of alternatives. According to the UN, global food prices are nearly 30% higher than this time last year.

He warned that there would be no effective solution to the food crisis unless Ukraine's food production, as well as fertilizer produced by Russia and Belarus, were reintegrated into the global market.

Mr. Guterres also stated that he was in "intense contact" with Russia and Ukraine, as well as the United States and the European Union, in an effort to restore normal food export levels.

Russia and Ukraine produce 30% of the world's wheat supply, and Ukraine was regarded as the world's breadbasket prior to the war, exporting 4.5 million tonnes of agricultural produce per month through its ports.
However, since Russia's invasion began in February, exports have collapsed and prices have skyrocketed. They rose even higher after India prohibited wheat exports on Saturday.

According to the United Nations, approximately 20 million tonnes of grain from the previous harvest are currently stranded in Ukraine and, if released, could relieve pressure on global markets.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also declared that the world is facing the "greatest global food security crisis of our time," which had been exacerbated by Russian President Vladimir Putin's "war of choice."