Global Food Security Hangs by a Thread as Russia Continues to Attack Ukraine

Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine are having far-reaching consequences for global food security. The country supplied 10% of the world's wheat, 15% of its corn, and 50% of its sunflower oil before the war, but Russia's strikes have halved grain exports compared to last year.

As Ukraine enters its 2026 harvest season, the country may run out of storage by October, leaving over nine million tonnes of grain to rot. This will not only impact food prices globally but also make life harder for millions of vulnerable people across the world.

The European Commission has committed R522-million to help southern Africa cope with drought and famine, which is projected to severely suppress crop yields in the region. In southern Africa, over 12.8 million people are undergoing acute food insecurity, and six countries have declared a state of national emergency.

Ukraine has repeatedly offered a just and lasting peace, beginning with a full ceasefire, but Russia has refused, escalating attacks instead. The international community is calling for an immediate arrangement to allow safe passage of vessels and ensure the freedom of navigation on the Black Sea route or in the Middle East.