Russian authorities say Ukrainian drone strike on Sevastopol repelled

The attack was the latest in a series of attempted strikes on Sevastopol, the main naval base in Crimea that Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

Ukrainian soldiers have a short rest in a shelter on the frontline in Bakhmut (AP)

Russian-appointed authorities in Crimea said the military has fended off a Ukrainian strike on the port of Sevastopol, while a drone was also reportedly found in a forest near Moscow – attacks that come as Ukraine is believed to be preparing for a major counter-offensive.

The Moscow-appointed head of the port city of Sevastopol in Crimea, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said the military destroyed a Ukrainian sea drone that attempted to attack the harbour in the early hours.