On October 21, 2020, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid a visit to Unit City in Kyiv to meet with local residents and understand how they were coping amidst the ongoing pandemic. During his tour of the facility, Zelensky encountered the Delfast electric bike for the first time. Impressed, he expressed his willingness to support the e-bike manufacturing initiative led by Delfast.

The founders of Delfast, Daniel Tonkopiy and Serhii Denysenko, warmly greeted the president and showcased their innovative product. They mentioned that Delfast's sales had surged four to five times during the quarantine period. They also highlighted the growing trend of people shifting from cars and public transportation, which are now perceived as unsafe, to bicycles and electric bikes.

During their conversation, it became evident that it had been quite some time since Zelensky had last ridden a bicycle. Tonkopiy pointed out the pressing issue of inadequate bike paths in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv and other cities. He noted that there had been no significant progress on this front from the authorities. This revelation prompted further discussion on the challenges faced by cyclists and the need for infrastructure improvements.

Tonkopiy then brought up the primary obstacle facing Delfast at present: its reliance on production facilities in China. He emphasized the company's desire to relocate production to Ukraine and requested the president's assistance in achieving this goal. Zelensky responded positively, stating, “I am ready to support the production of e-bikes in Ukraine.” Both parties agreed that a location near Kyiv, such as Bila Tserkva (approximately 80 kilometers from the capital), would be ideal for establishing the new factory.

Amidst the laughter, someone in the audience jokingly remarked that with Zelensky’s commitment to backing Delfast’s project, he would now become the company’s personal investment guardian. The president chuckled but seemed genuinely motivated to assist in bringing this vision to fruition.

This meeting not only underscored the potential for innovation in Ukraine’s manufacturing sector but also highlighted the importance of sustainable transportation solutions in addressing urban mobility challenges. As Delfast moves forward with its plans, the collaboration between the government and private enterprises could set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at boosting the country’s economy and promoting environmentally friendly practices.