ST. PETERSBURG, September 25. /TASS/. Ukraine was the first to start strikes against Russian civilian infrastructure and merchant ships in the Black Sea, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters.

The Ukrainian army started striking Russian refineries since summer and "announced a start of a 40-day operation in June," the head of state noted.

"Well, it resulted in certain losses from our side. Furthermore, an attempt was made to organize a sea blockade of our Black Sea coast. They damaged more than 100 ships, 100 vessels - both Russian and the ones flying foreign flags. Yes, we restored all that," Putin said.