BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) warned that the fighting in Ukraine has a significant impact on the global food markets and could leave an additional 11 to 19 million people with chronic hunger.
According to an FAO spokesperson, the countries impacted most by the conflict are in the North African region.
He said that higher international food prices are projected to increase global food import bills to a record 1.8 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned that the conflict may trigger social and economic chaos around the world.
As the conflict shows no sign of easing off, leaders of European countries are divided on sanctions against Russia.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday disagreed on the necessity to impose sanctions on Russia after their discussion on the Ukraine crisis.
Vucic told a press conference that Scholz "in a decisive, clear and sharp manner" asked Serbia to join Western sanctions against Russia, and even offered help for the construction of energy capacities.
He said that Serbia has a different position when it comes to the necessity to impose sanctions on Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday met with British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace to discuss support for Ukraine.
Wallace pledged that Britain would continue defense support for Kiev and stressed the importance of restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity.
As many as 11-19 million more people may plunge into chronic hunger worldwide due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Here's also what you need to know about the latest development in the conflict.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
