Dramatic footage shows a Ukrainian drone exploding inside one of Russia's largest shopping centres, killing an innocent woman.

Footage captured at the Alania Mall in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia, shows the device detonating just seconds after falling into the building through the ceiling on December 25.

The unexpected and powerful explosion triggered a massive fire, engulfing the roof and upper floors of the building.

Reports said the shockwave shattered windows in homes within a 500-metre radius.

A local said: 'The explosion was strong, our house shook. I was in the hallway, ran to the window and immediately saw smoke.

'I called 112, they told me that they already knew about the emergency and were taking action.'

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation said: 'Employees have extinguished the fire in the Alania Mall shopping centre.

'A total of 154 specialists and 34 units of equipment are working at the scene.'

The fire engulfed approximately 900 square metres of the shopping mall, with the upper floors and roof consumed by flames that rapidly spread throughout the premises.

Sergey Menyaylo, Head of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, said: 'An operational headquarters has been deployed on-site, and law enforcement officers and rescue services are working.

'We are currently investigating the circumstances of the incident. I will keep you informed.'

Most of the trading areas in the building were not yet open, as they typically begin operations at 10 am, meaning there were no visitors at the time of the blast. However, several employees were inside the mall, including 57-year-old cleaner Ida Chavayeva, who had arrived early to complete her tasks before the store opened.

Tragically, she was killed at the scene. Several others sustained minor injuries.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, in what the Kremlin is still calling a 'special military operation'.

The conflict is still ongoing with public support from Europe and the United States fading and businesses reopening their ties with Russia.

Deserters have fled both countries for safer climbs in Europe and Asia.