Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered U.S. warships to remain in the Mediterranean Sea as tensions grow between Ukraine and Russia, according to a new report from The Hill.

“Austin directed the USS Harry Truman carrier strike group to remain in European Command’s area of operations instead of transiting to Central Command’s area of operations — which includes Northeast Africa across the Middle East to South Asia,” The Hill reported.

The change “reflects the need for a persistent presence in Europe and is necessary to reassure our allies and partners of our commitment to collective defense,” the official told the outlet.

Russia claims it does not intend to invade Ukraine, however, earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded the U.S. and its European allies prevent Ukraine from joining NATO as Russia has massed an estimated 175,000 troops near the Ukrainian border in apparent preparation for an invasion.

U.S. and Russian officials are set to meet on January 10 for negotiations, and on January 12 there will be a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council.

“The Truman strike group left Naval Station Norfolk, Va., and Mayport, Fla., on Dec. 1 for a regularly scheduled deployment and has been in the Mediterranean Sea. Last week, the group conducted multiple tactical operations and exercises with the Tunisian Navy,” The Hill reported. “The group includes the flagship USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier, as well as the cruiser USS San Jacinto and the guided-missile destroyers USS Bainbridge, USS Cole, USS Gravely, and USS Jason Dunham.”