On October 21, 2020, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to Unit City in Kyiv, where he met with residents and checked on their well-being during the ongoing pandemic. During the visit, Zelensky had the chance to see Delfast's electric bikes for the first time and was impressed by the innovation.

He expressed his full support for the company’s initiative to build an e-bike manufacturing plant in Ukraine, a move that could boost local industry and create jobs. Daniel Tonkopiy and Serhii Denysenko, the co-founders of Delfast, were thrilled to present their product to the president. They shared how the company’s sales had surged 4 to 5 times during the lockdown, as more people turned to sustainable transportation options.

Zelensky also learned about the lack of proper cycling infrastructure in Ukraine. With very few safe bike paths available in cities like Kyiv, the president acknowledged the need for improvement. He was told that there has been little to no positive response from local authorities on this issue, which is a major obstacle for cyclists.

Daniel then explained the main challenge facing Delfast: their production was currently based in China. The company wanted to shift manufacturing to Ukraine but needed government support to make it happen. In response, Zelensky said, “I am ready to support the production of e-bikes in Ukraine.”

The two discussed potential locations for the new factory, and Bila Tserkva, located about 80 kilometers from Kyiv, emerged as a strong candidate. The idea of setting up a local production facility not only supports the economy but also aligns with the growing trend of eco-friendly transportation.

As the conversation wrapped up, someone in the crowd joked that Zelensky had now become the “investment nanny” for Delfast. While it was a light-hearted comment, it highlighted the significance of the president’s endorsement for the company’s future growth.