UN cautions: Ukrainian invasion could trigger global food crisis

Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the war had exacerbated food uncertainty in poorer countries due to price hikes and warned that the world could face crises lasting for years unless Ukrainian exports return to pre-war levels.

The conflict has interrupted supplies from Ukraine's ports, which once exported large quantities of sunflower oil as well as grain such as corn and wheat.

This has reduced the global offer and caused the price of alternatives to rise. Global food prices are almost 30% higher than the same time last year, according to the UN.

Speaking in New York on Wednesday, Guterres said the conflict “threatens to exceed tens of millions of people in food uncertainty followed by malnutrition and massive hunger”