STORY: Russia's coal and fertilizer king Andrei Melnichenko became the latest high profile businessman to call for an end to the conflict in Ukraine on Monday (March14) - as he warned of an impending global food crisis if fighting continues.

The 50-year-old founder of Uralchem, Russia's largest ammonium nitrate producer, called the conflict ''truly tragic'', and said he feels ''great pain and disbelief'' watching the crisis unfold.

Melnichenko said a supply chain already disrupted by the global health crisis was now even more distressed and some farmers are already unable to afford fertilizer.

He said it may also lead to food shortages in the world’s poorest countries.

President Vladimir Putin warned last Thursday (March 10) that food prices would rise globally due to soaring fertilizer costs.

Russia accounts for 13% of the world's fertilizer output.

Several of Russia's richest businessmen have publicly called for peace since fighting began last month, including Mikhail Fridman and Oleg Deripaska.

Melnichenko was sanctioned by the European Union last week and his $578 million yacht was seized by police.

His spokesperson said he ''has no relation to the tragic events in Ukraine''.

And added ''he has no political affiliations.''