Kiev, March 24 (IANS): Ukraine's National Defence and Security Council has ordered the country's defence ministry to pull out Ukrainian military forces out of Crimea, acting president Alexandr Turchynov announced here Monday.

"Ukrainian troops in Crimea have fulfilled their duties, giving the armed forces an opportunity and time to bring the troops in full combat readiness and start partial mobilisation," Turchynov said during a meeting with lawmakers.

In the near future, the government will start evacuating Ukrainian military personnel, their families and civilians from Crimea, Xinhua cited Turchynov as saying.

Clashes between the pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian supporters in Crimea erupted shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Crimean leaders signed a treaty March 18 for Crimea to become a part of Russia.

Following the standoff, Ukraine announced plans for evacuation of its military personnel and their families, as well as civilians from the peninsula.