European markets set to turn lower amid doubts over latest Russian pledges over Ukraine

European markets set to turn lower amid doubts over latest Russian pledges over Ukraine

LONDON — European stocks are expected to open flat to lower on Wednesday following the latest round of talks between Russia and Ukraine, aimed at finding a solution to the conflict. The U.K.'s index is seen opening 7 points higher at 7,536, Germany's 34 points lower at 14,767, France's  down 8 points at 6,775 and Italy's 43 points lower at 24,630, according to data from IG. Investor sentiment was boosted on Tuesday following negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Turkey, at which Russia's deputy defense minister claimed Moscow had decided to "drastically" cut back its military activity near Ukraine's capital. Alexander Fomin, who spoke following the talks in Instabul, said Russia would slow its military operations near Kyiv and Chernihiv in order for peace talks to progress. Russia previously claimed that it would reduce military operations in other parts of Ukraine but then continued its advance. Growing hope for a cease-fire appeared to boost investor sentiment Tuesday, as Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose 200 points, or 0.6%. S&P 500 futures also climbed 0.6%, while Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.7%. Meanwhile, the price of U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil, which spiked on the heels of Russia's