(CNN) -- Ukraine will compete at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games in Russia in order to promote peace between the two nations, the head of its Paralympic Committee said, although only one of the country's athletes attended Friday's opening ceremony. Relations have disintegrated following the overthrow of the Russia-friendly government in Kiev, prompting a rise in tensions in the disputed Crimea region. Ukrainian officials and Western diplomats have accused President Vladimir Putin of sending thousands of troops to Crimea in the past week -- a claim Russia denies. It had sparked fears Ukraine would boycott the 2014 Paralympic Games, which run from March 7-16, but the 23-strong team will now compete under its own flag.Ukraine will compete in the 2014 Paralympic Games in SochiA 23-strong team representing Ukraine will take part in the GamesUkraine Paralympic chief Valeriy Suskevich wants to promote a message of peaceThe 2014 Paralympic Winter Games get under way on Friday
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