Ukraine to withdraw troops from Crimea

KIEV - The National Defence and Security Council has ordered the Defence Ministry to pull Ukrainian military forces out of Crimea, acting president Alexandr Turchynov announced here Monday.

Crimea crisis

"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 mobilization," Turchynov said during a meeting with lawmakers.

In the nearest future the government will start evacuating Ukrainian military personnel, their families and civilians from Crimea, Turchynov said.

Clashes between the pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian supporters in Crimea erupted shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Crimean leaders signed a treaty last Tuesday for Crimea to become 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.