The recent steps by the Ukrainian authorities to curtail Crimean autonomy, with the suspension of the region's constitution, the dissolution of its parliament and the abolition of its presidency, have been met in Moscow by an acquiescence bordering on endorsement. The current mood in Moscow contrasted sharply with past demands for respect for the rights of the Russian majority in Ukraine, long regarded as a tinderbox in relations between the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Soskovets, who is in Kiev to finalize details of a long awaited friendship treaty stressed that the Crimean issue was ""Ukraine's internal matter."" His sentiments were echoed Tuesday by Foreign Ministry spokesman Grigory Karasin, who made it clear that Russia had no plans to raise objections to Ukraine's action. ""I confirm Russia's respect for the integrity of Ukraine's territory,"" Karasin told a regular news briefing, Reuters reported.