AN SNP MP has rebuked Russian officials after they said an area of the Crimean Peninsula is part of Russia.

Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded and annexed the region in 2014 after pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was deposed in Kiev.

The Russian Embassy in the UK shared a photo today of Cape Kapchik in the Crimea, which it described as being part of Russia.

The SNP’s spokesperson for defence, Stewart McDonald, replied: “You misspelt Ukraine #CrimeaIsUkraine.”

READ MORE: Russia: What Vladimir Putin has said about Scottish independence

The conflict sparked by the annexation of the region continues today, though a ceasefire came into effect on Sunday.

Ukraine achieved independence from the USSR in 1991 when the state was dissolved.

It had been part of the bloc since the 1920s after Soviet Russian forces overran the country.

Millions of Ukrainians died of starvation under the control of Joseph Stalin – a crime for which the leader was posthumously found guilty of genocide.

READ MORE: David Pratt: Ukraine and Russia ... uncovering a hidden war

Last month, Ukraine described Russia as a “toxic ex” after the nation’s official Twitter account shared images of the “good ol’ days” of the Soviet Union.

The Russian profile, sharing photos from the time, tweeted: “Many #Ukrainians still remember the good ol’ days, when #Soviet Ukraine was the #USSR’s breadbasket, as well as a popular health #tourism destination & industrial center.”

“A lot of that, and much more, is available in #Russia’s #Crimea today.”

In response, Ukraine highlighted the post by posting: “toxic ex here”.