Russian flags seen at entrance to Mariupol amid war in Ukraine

A new city sign painted in the colours of the Russian flag was unveiled on the outskirts of Mariupol on Sunday, replacing a monument which had been in the blue and gold of Ukraine.

Russian flags were also being flown on a highway into the port city, which is now fully under the control of Moscow-backed forces.

According to Kremlin-installed authorities, the seaport is now ready to operate as usual and was being used to ship goods to and from Russia.

The Russian military said demining works were ongoing at the beaches of Bilosaraiska Kosa outside the city, but the harbour waters have been already cleared.

The head of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), Denis Pushilin, said the removal of bodies of soldiers killed during the fight for control of the city was "under control" and denied any possible risk of a cholera outbreak.

Asked to comment on the sentencing to death by a DPR court of foreign nationals who fought alongside Ukrainian soldiers, Pushilin said he did not "see any prerequisites" at the moment to pardon them.