The Paralympic Games have opened in Sochi, Russia, despite the Russia-Ukraine tension centered on the Crimean peninsula.
The 23-member Ukrainian team announced earlier Friday that it will not boycott the Games, but could reverse its decision if the power struggle over Crimea escalates further.
Some nations canceled plans to send delegations to the 10-day event in protest of Russia's involvement in the conflict.
The president of Ukraine's National Paralympic Committee, Valeriy Sushkevich, told reporters at a news conference Friday that he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and asked him for peace during the Games. Sushkevich said Mr. Putin made no promises but that it was important the president listened.
The Paralympic Games for disabled athletes are being held in the same locations as the 2014 Winter Olympics, which took place last month.
The 23-member Ukrainian team announced earlier Friday that it will not boycott the Games, but could reverse its decision if the power struggle over Crimea escalates further.
Some nations canceled plans to send delegations to the 10-day event in protest of Russia's involvement in the conflict.
The president of Ukraine's National Paralympic Committee, Valeriy Sushkevich, told reporters at a news conference Friday that he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and asked him for peace during the Games. Sushkevich said Mr. Putin made no promises but that it was important the president listened.
The Paralympic Games for disabled athletes are being held in the same locations as the 2014 Winter Olympics, which took place last month.