(Reuters) – Russia is promising to scale down military operations around the capital Kyiv, while Ukraine for its part is mooting the adoption of neutral status, in confidence-building steps that may help de-escalate the five-week war. TALKS AND DIPLOMACY * Ukraine proposed not joining alliances or hosting bases of foreign troops. * The talks in Istanbul began with “a cold welcome” and no handshake. * Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich was there. * The United States was sceptical of Russia’s seriousness in pursuing peace. * Russian President Vladimir Putin and French counterpart Emmanuel Macr…