The ongoing military operation in Ukraine will devastate global food security, particularly hurting lower-income countries, according to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Speaking at a media briefing, Guterres said the impacts of the operation would hit multiple countries in Africa and beyond which rely on food imports from the two countries.

"Russia and Ukraine represent more than half of the world's supply of sunflower oil and about 30 percent of the world's wheat. Ukraine alone provides more than half of the World Food Programme's wheat supply," he said.

"45 African and least developed countries import at least 1/3 of their wheat from Ukraine or Russia – 18 of those countries import at least 50%. This includes countries like Burkina Faso, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

"We must do everything possible to avert a hurricane of hunger and a meltdown of the global food system."

African countries are already starting to feel impacts of the military operation.

Earlier on Monday, Algeria banned the export of foods that the country mainly imports due to worries of shortages that may occur as a result of the military operation.

Egypt is reported to also be mulling a similar move.

Guterres also announced $40 million in aid to assist those affected by Russia's military operation in Ukraine.