The UN says that the war in Ukraine has caused the highest increase in the cost of living in a generation

MADRID, 9 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused the highest increase in the cost of living worldwide in a generation, according to the United Nations Global Crisis Response Group in a report published this Wednesday.

"The ripple effect of the conflict is spreading human suffering far beyond its borders... War, in all its dimensions, has exacerbated a global cost-of-living crisis not seen in at least a generation." ", the UN has assured in a statement, where they have stressed that the consequences of the war also compromise the objectives of the 2030 Agenda to which the organization aspired.

The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has argued that after three months have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, "the world is facing a new reality" and added that "the most vulnerable countries are already being hit "collaterally.

"Vulnerable people and vulnerable countries are already being hit hard, but make no mistake: no country or community will be left untouched by this cost of living crisis," Guterres warned.

According to the report, more than 1.6 billion people in 94 countries are severely exposed to at least one dimension of the crisis, as rising prices for maize and wheat have meant that the average global household has lost more than 1.5 percent of their actual income since the start of the war.

However, there are countries in which the average household has been affected to a greater extent, such as the case of Armenia, which has lost an average of 7.71 percent of its real income; or Georgia, which reaches losses of 5.53 percent. Other countries also affected are Kyrgyzstan (5.23 percent), Tajikistan (4.87 percent), or Mauritania (4.31 percent).

In addition, the United Nations points to the "record" rise in energy, which would be causing blackouts and fuel shortages worldwide, especially in Africa, as detailed in the statement.

Guterres has urged a halt to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as the only solution to stem the "coming storm", and has asked UN officials to coordinate two working groups to help find solutions for the safe export of food. produced in Ukraine.

"In reality, there is only one way to stop this coming storm: the Russian invasion of Ukraine must end. The death and destruction must stop. A political solution must be found in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations." But, until that happens, we need immediate action on two fronts," said the United Nations Secretary-General.