Russia-Ukraine war may push over 20 million people into poverty in 2022, UN report warns

United Nations recently revealed in its latest report that unfavourable repercussions of Russia-Ukraine war such as increased food prices might force over 20 million more people into severe poverty this year. According to " Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022", 656.7 million people would be living on less than $1.90 per day worldwide in 2022. However, increasing food costs and broer consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine might increase that figure to 676.5 million, Kyodo News reported.  

Furrmore, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated in report that conflict in Ukraine has "caused food, fuel, and fertiliser prices to skyrocket". ditionally, UN chief claimed that it would also disrupt “supply chains and global tre and cause distress in financial markets." 

According to Kyodo News report, even though projection is still below 684.2 million in 2021, Russian invasion, which commenced in late February, would put globe "even furr from meeting target of ending extreme poverty by 2030", one of 17 SDGs.  

50 countries import nearly 30% of ir wheat from Russia and Ukraine: UN Report

UN report furr highlighted fact that worries over food security have increased recently, particularly in countries like Africa and Middle East that are heavily reliant on grain from Ukraine, a significant producer. As per report, at least 50 countries import nearly 30% of ir wheat from Russia and Ukraine. Notably, Ukrainian and Russian wheat makes up more than half of wheat consumed in several African and least developed nations. 

Due to war, a staggering 100 million people are believed to have been forcefully uprooted from ir houses as of May, with nearly 6.5 million of m fleeing Ukraine, according to report. 

Japan, United States, and or Group of Seven nations have chastised Russia for obstructing Black Sea ports of Ukraine and damaging its agricultural infrastructure, which has prevented products from being exported globally. Meanwhile, Russia, a major exporter of grains and one of world's top producers of crude oil, has attributed food shortages and soaring food and energy costs on G-7-led economic sanctions against Moscow. 

Meanwhile, on August 1, UN chief Guterres lauded departure of first grain ship from Ukrainian port of Odesa. He furr called act "a collective success of Joint Coordination Centre", as per media reports. Taking to Twitter, a UN spokesperson said on August 1, “@antonioguterres warmly welcomes departure of M/V Razoni, first commercial ship leaving Ukraine’s port of Odesa since 26 February 2022. (sic)” 

(Image: AP)