With tensions high, Russia aims for large medal haul at Beijing Olympics

Russia is heading to the Beijing Olympics against a backdrop of international tension, and not for the first time.

A build-up of Russian forces near neighbouring Ukraine is causing concern in Washington and among the United States' NATO allies in Europe.

Russia is sending 212 athletes to Beijing — one of the biggest delegations — despite still being under doping-related sanctions which bar its name and flag from being displayed in official Olympic settings. Russian officials are hoping for one of the country's biggest Winter Olympic medal hauls to date.

Addressing athletes Tuesday by video, Russian President Vladimir Putin didn't touch on the tension with Ukraine but offered support to China over "the politicization of sports and demonstrative boycotts" in relation to the U.S. and another nations not sending diplomatic representatives to Beijing on human rights grounds.

Putin, who plans to attend the opening ceremony, also framed the upcoming Olympics as a test of Russian character.

"As you know, in Russia people aren't afraid of difficulties," Putin said. "They just make us even stronger, more united and self-confident. All of these qualities, I'm convinced, will be on full display in Beijing."

WATCH | Beijing's Olympic venues on display:

The Olympics have coincided with tension in the region before. In 2014, Russia hosted the Winter Olympics in Sochi at the same time as protesters in Ukraine forced pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych from office. Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine the following month.

The last time Beijing hosted the Olympics in 2008, Russian troops were fighting a brief war with another former Soviet neighbour, Georgia, about the status of breakaway regions.

Olympians have sometimes