Sweden Democrats Investigate Emilie Pilthammar Over Controversial Statements on Ukraine and Russia

Emilie Pilthammar, the Sweden Democrats' (SD) leading candidate in Sölvesborg, is under investigation for her controversial statements regarding Ukraine and Russia, stirring political backlash and internal party scrutiny. The party's membership committee is conducting the investigation following media reports revealing Pilthammar described the choice between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj as akin to "plague or cholera."

In blog posts dating back to 2023 and early 2025, Pilthammar characterized both nations as "two corrupt countries competing to be the worst" and controversially suggested that the Russian regime might have been preferable to current governance. These remarks conflict sharply with the Sweden Democrats’ official stance, which emphasizes unconditional support for Ukraine amid the ongoing security crisis.

Mattias Bäckström Johansson, the SD party secretary, highlighted that Pilthammar’s views are "far from the party's stance" and underscored the party's commitment to supporting Ukraine unequivocally. The membership committee responsible for expulsion decisions is tasked with determining Pilthammar’s future within the party.

Pilthammar, who previously belonged to the Moderates party, denies spreading Kremlin propaganda, instead expressing skepticism about transparency concerning financial aid to Ukraine. Nevertheless, her statements have drawn sharp criticism from political opponents. Tobias Baudin, Social Democrats’ party secretary, condemned her remarks as "pure Russian propaganda" and also criticized Jimmie Åkesson, SD's leader, for the broader acceptance of such narratives within the party.

Security policy expert Patrik Oksanen also criticized Pilthammar, aligning her views with Russian propaganda efforts. This controversy highlights ongoing tensions within Swedish political discourse regarding the war in Ukraine and foreign policy narratives.

As the investigation progresses, the Sweden Democrats face pressure to clarify their position and address internal dissent regarding Ukraine and Russia amidst heightened political sensitivities.