ANTALYA, Turkey

The Russian war on Ukraine has hit poorer countries with surging wheat and energy prices, Niger’s president said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, of which Anadolu Agency is the global communications sponsor.

Mohamed Bazoum said the ongoing attack on Ukraine made us understand once again the cost of the war and the price of peace.

Drawing attention to rising energy and wheat prices, he said the war poses a threat not only to Ukraine but to the whole world.

Slovenian President Borut Pahor highlighted his country’s active contribution to NATO and the EU in decisions concerning Russia.

But there is no official ground for the no-fly zone asked for by Ukraine and no reason for NATO to be involved in a direct armed conflict with Russia, he said.

Pahor added that Russia must be cornered through sanctions to develop a political resolution that would end the war.

Also on the panel was Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal via video call and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.

Since Russia launched its war on Ukraine on Feb. 24, more than 2.5 million people have fled to other countries, with 2 million more displaced within the country.

At least 564 civilians have also been killed and 982 injured, according to UN estimates.

While the EU, US and others have imposed sanctions on Moscow, many companies and global brands have also suspended operations in Russia.

* Writing by Ahmet Gencturk