A Swedish sniper with far-right views is fighting alongside Ukrainian volunteer forces in eastern Ukraine, raising concerns about the presence of extremists in the conflict. Mikael Skillt, a former Swedish Army and National Guard member, serves with the Azov Battalion, a pro-Ukrainian armed group. He claims there is a bounty of nearly $7,000 on his head from rebel forces.
In an interview, Skillt described his roles as a reconnaissance unit commander, sniper, and special coordinator for clearing civilian areas. He identifies as a nationalist but expresses neo-Nazi beliefs, including white supremacist views and opposition to interracial mixing. He plans to fight for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom he sees as opposing 'international Zionism.'
Skillt acknowledged that not all Azov Battalion members share his views, noting that while some may be 'national socialists' and wear swastikas, there is even a liberal among them. He said foreign fighters in the battalion are unpaid, but a recruiter is seeking more 'serious fighters' from abroad.
The Azov Battalion is led by Andriy Biletsky, who also heads the Social National Assembly, an organisation with neo-Nazi rhetoric. Its publications call for 'liberation of the entire White Race' and punishment of 'interracial contacts.' The battalion was formed and armed by Ukraine's interior ministry.
Interior ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko denied any neo-Nazi links, calling the Social National Assembly a party of patriots. He also insisted no foreign citizens fight in the battalion, despite Skillt's claims. Expert Anton Shekhovtsov warned that arming neo-Nazis undermines Ukraine's democratic cause, as they are as dangerous as pro-Russia extremists.
