Massive explosion as Russian missile hits Ukrainian retail park packed with civilians leaving at least two dead

AT least two people have been killed after two Russian anti-aircraft missiles hit a Ukrainian retail park packed with customers.

Social media footage shows a massive black plume of smoke rising into the blue sky in Kharkiv as a construction hypermarket is engulfed by flames.

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The shop is said to be the equivalent to B&Q in the UK, containing dozens of flammable and chemical products inside.

Reports say that at least two people have been killed in the strike on Saturday afternoon.

Ukrainian outlet Pravda reported on X: "Occupiers hit a construction hypermarket in Kharkiv.

"As of now, it is known about two dead and at least four wounded."

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported explosions at 4.02pm local time, later confirming the city had been struck.

In a statement on Telegram, he said: "We have a large number of people missing. Many wounded.

"Judging by everything, the attack was aimed at the shopping centre, where there were many people - this is pure terrorism. "

Terekhov added that, based on early reports, Putin's forces had hit a construction materials hypermarket.

He said: "We have information about the fatalities and injuries, but it needs to be confirmed."

Posting pictures and clips of the massive blaze, one devastated user tweeted: "Kharkiv right now. This is heartbreaking.

"This is a construction store, it was full of people when Russia struck it. Russia is a terrorist state!"

Head of Kharkiv Oblast administration, Oleh Syniehubov, said the Russians had struck "civilian commercial infrastructure", and a fire broke out. 

The major blast comes shortly after Ukraine claimed Putin's Russia reached a grim milestone after losing more than 500,000 soldiers in their failing war.

Kyiv said Moscow's crumbling army has also lost some 22,000 tanks and armoured vehicles and nearly 700 aircraft since the invasion.