President Poroshenko says de-escalation is priority in east Ukraine

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko gestures during a news conference in Kiev, in this December 29, 2014 handout photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service. REUTERS/Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Mykola Lazarenko/Handout via Reuters

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Sunday de-escalating the conflict with pro-Russian rebels was the priority for the Kiev government, which stands by a September peace deal signed in Minsk.

Fighting between government troops and separatists in eastern Ukraine has intensified in recent days after the rebels ruled out more peace talks.