A third of Russia’s population should be tested for HIV every year, its health minister has urged, in a sign an epidemic downplayed by the Kremlin is spiralling.

Mikhail Murashko said screening was essential to curb the transmission of the virus, which has exploded among Russian troops and the broader population since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine .

“Further expansion of medical testing is necessary. Every third citizen should be tested, with particular attention to at-risk groups,” the Russian Health Ministry quoted him as saying last week.

Since 2022, Russia has been in the top five countries for new HIV cases, according to the UN.…