Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko thanked the country's security authorities for the efficient operation which neutralized a sabotage-reconnaissance group, that had plotted several attacks across the country, and said he was certain that terrorism in Ukraine will be stopped.

Poroshenko expressed his gratitude to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) chief Vasyl Hrytsak and to all the security officers at a second meeting of the National Council for Anti-Corruption Policy on Thursday, the president's press office said.

"I am sure that terrorism will be stopped," said the head of state.

"I want to thank all the officers who, this early morning, rose to defend peace and quiet of Ukrainians and foiled terror plots in Kharkiv, Kyiv and other cities. To that end, large quantities of explosives, grenades and small arms were amassed. Thanks to their heroic efforts and professionalism, SBU officers have discontinued the activity of the sabotage-reconnaissance group," he said.

Poroshenko also offered his condolences to the family of the slain SBU lieutenant colonel Andriy Kuzmenko. All those in attendance paid tribute to him with a minute of silence.

The president ordered assistance for the family of the slain officer who leaves behind two young children, as well as medical aid for another injured SBU officer.

Earlier, Poroshenko ordered financial aid to be provided for the slain officer's family and announced a posthumous award for him.

It was reported that on the evening of December 9, the SBU conducted an operation against a sabotage-reconnaissance group that operated in several Ukrainian cities, including in Kyiv. One saboteur injured two officers from the SBU's Alpha special-forces unit, and one of them died from his injuries later at the hospital. The saboteur was killed.

During a raid at one location in Kyiv, SBU officers seized eight improvised explosive devices, four kilograms of TNT, automatic weapons, over 40 grenades and about 2,000 cartridges, as well as components of explosive devices and weapons.