Because of tension with Russia, the United States keeps an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean to reassure the Europeans

The United States on Tuesday ordered the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman to remain in the Mediterranean, in an effort to reassure its European allies amid fears of a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.

And US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the aircraft carrier "USS Harry Truman" to remain in the region, and to postpone its scheduled trip to the Middle East.

"The change in the program reflects the need for a permanent presence in Europe and is necessary to reassure our allies and partners of our commitment to our common defense," a Pentagon official said.

This step comes despite the agreement of the United States and Russia to hold talks on European security and the Ukrainian crisis on January 10 in Geneva.

The aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman set off in early December from its base in Norfolk, Virginia, on scheduled missions, and last week conducted joint maneuvers with the Tunisian navy before heading east.

The administration of President Joe Biden is emphasizing working closely with European allies, and representatives of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are also scheduled to meet with Russian officials.

European officials say Moscow has mobilized tens of thousands of troops at its border with Ukraine in preparation for a possible invasion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin denies planning an attack on Ukraine, saying Russian troop movements are aimed at defending Russia against any Western military intervention.