Meet M-TAC, the maker of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s casual sweaters and t-shirts that started out selling airsoft guns
According to the company website, M-TAC was founded in 2005, the same year that it opened its first store to sell airsoft guns and accessories in Ukraine. The business did not start selling tactical apparel and equipment until 2014, following the “Revolution of Dignity,” in which Ukrainians overthrew their former president Viktor Yanukovych.
The company’s motto is “Born by Revolution – Hardened by War.”
According to the corporate website, M-TAC has more than 50 suppliers spread over 15 different nations. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2021, its primary focus has been producing uniforms and military equipment for the Ukrainian military. M-TAC has production facilities in Lviv and Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
Insider’s request for response from M-TAC was not immediately answered.
According to M-website, TAC’s “Our manufacturing operated nonstop 24/7, and the manufactured equipment was instantly sent to the soldiers at the front.” “Because we place a premium on reliability, the Ukrainian military now picks the M-TAC brand and our equipment. Both state political leaders and soldiers in the trenches wear clothing from the M-TAC brand.”
Read the full text of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s in-person speech to US Congress
Zelenskyy has promoted the clothing during the turmoil in his country by making public appearances in casual fleeces and t-shirts from the company. The most recent time he appeared publicly outside of Ukraine was on Wednesday, when he delivered a speech to the US Congress while donning a crewneck sweater from M-TAC.
Additionally, Zelenskyy’s appearance has inspired imitations across the globe. At a charity event held by the Ukrainian embassy in London on May 5, one of Zelenskyy’s M-TAC jackets that he had autographed was auctioned off for £90,000, or roughly $110,000 at the time.
According to Taras Rudnytskyi, the Ukrainian manager of the company’s US operations, demand for Zelenskyy’s fleece jacket has increased since Russia initially invaded Ukraine. After the conflict broke out, the company’s primary focus was on creating clothing for the Ukrainian military, therefore supplies of the jacket quickly ran out.
Rudnytskyi stated to Insider in May, “We aim to resupply it sometime, perhaps after our triumph,” adding that hostilities have made it challenging to sustain any kind of production. It is currently not possible.
M-TAC offers apparel for sale on its website and on Amazon as well. The business furthermore offers backpacks, boots, knives, and other items in addition to sweaters and coats.