Ursula von der Leyen: Consequences of Russia's war in Ukraine must be considered

The World Economic Forum must consider the consequences of Russia's war in Ukraine, which threatens the world, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

She made an urgent appeal for international action to prevent a global food crisis that she said is being maliciously stoked by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

She said the "economies of the future" will no longer rely on oil and coal, but the green and digital transitions will rely on other materials like lithium, silicon metal, or rare earth permanent magnets, which are required for batteries, chips, electric vehicles or wind turbines.

The head of the EU's executive arm says "we rely on a handful of producers in the world. So, we must avoid falling into the same trap as with oil and gas."

Von der Leyen said the EU had secured materials partnerships with countries like Canada.