DHAKA: A stand-off involving pro-Russian soldiers at a Ukrainian military base outside the Crimean city of Sevastopol has reportedly ended without incident.

A BBC correspondent saw two lorries from Russia`s Black Sea Fleet outside the gates, surrounded by armed men, reports BBC.

But no shots are believed to have been fired, and the men and lorries reportedly left after "negotiations".

Troops wearing Russian uniform without insignia have blockaded bases since taking control of Crimea last week.

The incident came hours after Russian parliamentarians promised to support Crimea if it wanted to become part of Russia.

Crimea`s parliament announced on Thursday it would hold a referendum on 16 March on whether to join Russia or remain part of Ukraine.

The vote has been denounced as "illegitimate" by the interim government in Kiev, which took power after President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia last month in the wake of mass protests against his government and deadly clashes with security forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he hoped the Paralympic Winter Games, which opened in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Friday, would help "lower the heat of passions over Ukraine".

The Ukrainian team was represented only by a single athlete carrying the national flag at the opening ceremony.

Valeriy Sushkevych, head of the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine, said its athletes had debated whether to boycott the Games but had decided to compete unless the "crisis were to escalate".

BDST: 0942 HRS, MAR 08, 2014