The United Nations warned Thursday that the war in Ukraine has helped fuel a global food crisis that could last for years if left unchecked.

According to "The Guardian", quoted by the newspaper Económico, the statements were made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who also said that grain and fertilizer shortages caused by the war, warming temperatures, and supply problems caused by the pandemic threaten "tens of millions of people who are on the verge of food insecurity," as financial markets saw stock prices fall sharply again on fears of inflation and a global recession.

At a UN meeting in New York on global food security, Guterres noted that what follows in this global food crisis is "malnutrition, mass starvation and famine, in a crisis that could last for years," as he and others urged Russia to release Ukrainian grain exports.

The UN secretary-general admitted to being in "intense contact" with Russia and other countries to try to find a solution. "The complex security, economic and financial implications require good will on all sides for a solution to be reached," Guterres stressed, adding that he would not "go into details because public statements may undermine the chances of success."

Guterres further assured that there is no "effective solution to the food crisis without reintegrating Ukraine's food production." "Russia must allow the safe export of grain stored in Ukrainian ports," he appealed.

Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and international economic sanctions on Russia have disrupted supplies of fertilizer, wheat, and other goods from both countries, driving up food and fuel prices, especially in developing countries. Together, the warring nations produce 30% of the world's wheat.

Before the invasion in February, Ukraine was seen as the world's basket case, exporting 4.5 million tons of agricultural products a month through its ports. Ukraine was responsible for 12% of the planet's wheat, 15% of corn, and half of sunflower oil. But with the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and others cut off from the world by Russian warships, products can travel only on congested land routes that are far less efficient.

The UN food and agricultural price index reached a record high of almost 160 points in March before falling 1.2 or 0.8% in April. The grain and meat price indices also reached record highs in March.