UN secretary general António Guterres has warned that the food shortages stoked by the war in Ukraine could cause “malnutrition, mass hunger and famine, in a crisis that could last for years” across the world, writes The Guardian.

Speaking at a food summit in New York, Guterres implored Russia to lift its Black Sea blockade which is preventing shipments of Ukrainian grain to overseas markets.

“Let’s be clear: there is no effective solution to the food crisis without reintegrating Ukraine’s food production”, - Guterres said. “Russia must permit the safe and secure export of grain stored in Ukrainian ports”.

However, he said he was in “intense” talks with Russia to try to find a solution.