UN warns of ‘hell on earth’ if the war in Ukraine war goes on
Dozens of countries risk protests, riots, and political violence this year as food prices surge around the world because of the war Russia started in Ukraine, the head of the food-aid branch of the United Nations has warned.
Ukraine grows enough food every year to feed 400 million people. It produces 42% of the world’s sunflower oil, 16% of its maize, and 9% of its wheat. Somalia relies on Ukraine and Russia for all of its wheat imports, while Egypt gets 80% of its grain from the two countries.
Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine says more than 20m tonnes of grain that would normally be exported is trapped in the country because of Russia’s blockade of its Black Sea ports.
“It is a very, very frightening time. We are facing hell on earth if we do not respond immediately. The best thing we can do right now is end that damn war in Russia and Ukraine and get the port open,” David Beasley, director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), said.
