TM Militarist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
TM "Militarist" (Ukrainian: ТМ «Мілітарист») is a retailer of tactical equipment, clothing and outdoor gear. Initially a retailer of airsoft equipment, the company expanded into a wider range of military equipment following the Euromaidan and the War in Donbas.[1][2]
Native name | Мілітарист |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder |
|
| Brands | M-TAC |
| Website | militarist |
The company is best known for its M-TAC line of tactical clothing, prominently worn by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, the company has faced criticism due to its close association with the Azov movement.[3][4]
History
The company was founded by Oleksandr Karasov and Denys Holovko.[5]
In 2014, Militarist unveiled its own in-house brand labelled M-TAC, due to demand as a result of the deteriorating situation in the Donbass following the Maidan Revolution.
Subsequently, the brand has adopted the motto "Born of revolution, hardened by war".[6]
On 16 February 2022, during a visit to Mariupol to oversea military exercises, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy was first seen wearing an olive green M-TAC jacket.[7]
In May 2022, an M-TAC fleece jacket worn by Volodymyr Zelenskyy sold at a Christie's auction for £90,000 during the "Brave Ukraine" fundraiser in London, England.[8] The auction was attended by Boris Johnson, the then prime minister of the United Kingdom, personally calling for much higher bids than the starting price.[9]
M-TAC equipment is featured in the 2025 first-person shooter video game Battlefield 6.[10]
Controversies
M-TAC, along with the brand SvaStone[11][12] and the Third Army Corps sponsor the controversial "Idu Na Vi" MMA competition held in Kyiv.[13][14][15][16] The competition is organised by the singer of neo-Nazi band Sokyra Peruna[17], member of Right Sector, and owner of SvaStone Arseniy Bilodub.[18][19][20]