Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could soon lead to a global food crisis that could last for years, the UN has warned.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the war had exacerbated food insecurity in developing countries due to rising prices. He said some countries could face long-term famine if Ukraine’s exports are not restored to pre-war levels.
The conflict has cut supplies from Ukraine’s ports, which once exported large quantities of cooking oil and grains such as corn and wheat. This has reduced global supply and pushed up the price of options. According to the United Nations, global food prices are about 30% higher than in the same period last year.
Speaking in New York on Wednesday, Mr Guterres said the conflict – combined with climate change and the pandemic – “threatening to tip tens of millions of people over the edge in food insecurity following malnutrition, mass hunger and famine”.
“There is enough food in our world now if we work together. But unless we address this problem today, we will face the threat of a global food shortage in the coming months,” he said.
He warned that the only practical solution to the crisis is to bring Ukraine’s food production and fertiliser produced by both Russia and Belarus back to the global market.
Mr Guterres also said he was in “intense contact” with Russia and Ukraine and the US and European Union to restore food exports to normal levels.
“The complex security, economic and financial implications require goodwill on all sides,” he said. His remarks came on the same day the World Bank announced an additional $12bn (£9.7bn) for projects to address food insecurity.
The move would take the total amount available for such projects to over £30bn over 15 months. Russia and Ukraine produce 30% of the world’s wheat supply, and – before the war – Ukraine was seen as the world’s breadbasket, exporting 4.5 million tonnes of agricultural products per month through its ports.
But since Russia launched its offensive in February, exports have fallen, and prices have skyrocketed. They climbed even higher after India imposed a ban on wheat exports on Saturday.