In particular, the Russian invasion has a major impact on grain exports from Ukraine, which contributes to the severe food shortages faced by the poorest regions of the world.
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The global impact of the conflict in Ukraine is felt on the humanitarian system. This war, which will enter its seventh month on Wednesday, has pushed people “at a critical breaking point”explained Tuesday August 23 in a press release Francesco Rocca, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). “The devastating shock effects are only increasing as the conflict drags on, with food and energy prices rising and food crises worsening”he added.
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“The crisis has spread to the entire humanitarian system and put it under enormous stress”said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. “This will have a lasting effect on the ability of humanitarian organizations and donors to respond to emergencies elsewhere”, according to her. In particular, the Russian invasion has a major impact on Ukraine’s grain export, contributing to the severe food shortages faced by the world’s poorest regions.
Despite efforts to resume Ukrainian grain deliveries through the Black Sea, these exports have fallen by 46% since the start of the year, according to the IFRC. “This massive drop is having a major effect on the Greater Horn of Africa, where more than 80 million people are facing extreme hunger – the worst food crisis in 70 years.”insists the Federation.
In Ukraine, the situation is obviously very difficult, millions of people have had to leave their homes and the need for essential products (fuel, food) will increase further with the coming winter. “It will be the hardest winter”observed Maksym Dotsenko, director general of the Ukrainian Red Cross, during the press briefing. “The needs are increasing” and the consequences will be felt beyond Ukraine, he warned.