Gas prices in Europe are rising after US National Security Advisor Sullivan’s assessment that Russia could invade Ukraine soon.

Gas prices in Europe started the week with a 14% rise on concerns that Russia might invade Ukraine soon. European benchmark natural gas prices rose to 88 euros per megawatt-hour.

US National Security Advisor Sullivan evaluated the latest developments regarding the Ukraine crisis at the press briefing he held at the White House. Sullivan noted that they could not say at the moment that Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a clear decision on the invasion of Ukraine. Still, they have strong intelligence that the attack can start at any time.

“I won’t go into intelligence reports, but contrary to the previous speculation that the invasion might happen after the Chinese Olympics, I can now clearly say that it can start before the Olympics are over,” Sullivan said

The risk of war in the region could deepen the current energy crisis in Europe. One of Europe’s main suppliers, Russia sends one-third of the natural gas it exports to the region via Ukraine.