March 8 (CNN): The Winter Paralympics have begun in Beijing less than two weeks after the Olympics were held in the Chinese capital.

A lot has changed in the world since the Olympics ended. A few days after the closing ceremony, Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking an international outcry and heavy sanctions against Russia.

Because of the invasion, Russian and Belarusian athletes will no longer be able to compete at the Paralympics. The International Paralympic Committee said multiple teams had threatened not to compete if those athletes were allowed to take part.

Ukraine will send a full contingent of 20 athletes and nine guides, the IPC announced. Ukrainian athletes will compete in two sports in Beijing: biathlon and cross-country skiing.

Here are the most compelling photos we've seen during the Paralympics so far.

Chinese skier Gong Yan reacts after finishing a super-G race on March 7. Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Kazakhstan's Yerebol Khamitov competes in a cross-country skiing event on Sunday, March 6. Lillian Suwanrumha/AFP/Getty Images

American snowboarder Brenna Huckaby takes part in a snowboard cross qualification race on March 6. Michael Steele/Getty Images

Members of the USA sled hockey team prepare for a hockey game against South Korea on March 6. Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Chinese curler Wang Haitao pushes a rock as his teammates look on during a match against Sweden on March 6. Dita Alangkara/AP

China's Tian Jin Tao celebrates with teammate Zhu Zhan Fu after scoring a goal during a hockey game against the Czech Republic on March 6. Peter Cziborra/Reuters

Germany's Johanna Recktenwald follows her guide, Valentin Haag, during a biathlon event on Saturday, March 5.Jens Büttner/picture alliance/Getty Images

American biathlete Danielle Aravich smiles as she crosses the finish line on March 5. Zhe Ji/Getty Images

American skier Andrew Kurka competes in a downhill event on March 5. Andy Wong/AP

People perform during the opening ceremony in Beijing on Friday, March 4. Dita Alangkara/AP

Athletes from Ukraine arrive at the opening ceremony. Andy Wong/AP

Musicians perform inside the stadium during the opening ceremony. Dita Alangkara/AP

The flag of the Paralympic Committee is carried through the stadium. Christoph Soeder/Picture-Alliance/DPA/AP

Mascot Shuey Rhon Rhon dances during the opening ceremony.Jens B'ttner/Picture-Alliance/DPA/AP

Chinese President Xi Jinping waves during the opening ceremony.Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Athletes stand together during the opening ceremony. Christoph Soeder/Picture-Alliance/DPA/AP

A torchbearer carries the Olympic flame. Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Fireworks burst over the Beijing National Stadium during the opening ceremony.Peter Cziborra/Reuters