Tim Lang and Martin McKee write:

Reliable access to adequate nutrition is essential for physical and mental health. Vladimir Putin’s illegal reinvasion of Ukraine reminds us that we take our food supply for granted. The consequences will be felt far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

The immediate threat is to those under siege. Unable to escape Russian shelling, they are running out of food and water. This is a clear breach of the Geneva Convention, which proscribes “starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.” Ironically, in 2018 Russia supported UN Security Council Resolution 2417 that condemned starving of civilians and denial of humanitarian access. Ukrainians in other parts of the country are not spared, as food distribution systems are disrupted by damaged infrastructure and shortage of transport.

Ukraine has often been described as Europe’s breadbasket. But this seriously understates its importance. It is also a major exporter of other staples, including barley, rapeseed, and sunflower oil. It accounts for about 17% of global corn exports, 12% of wheat, and 30% of sunflower seeds, most turned into oil in Ukrainian factories.

The impact of the war is already apparent. About 25% of wheat and 43% of corn harvested in the most recent season have yet to be exported, and Odessa, Ukraine’s main port, is blockaded. The current winter wheat crop cannot be harvested, and next season’s crops cannot be planted. Other countries might be able to make up some of this shortfall, but it is difficult to see how they could replace it. [Continue reading…]