Viktor Rudyi: “We can’t let the Russians think they’ve broken us”

"I knew I had to defend my country. I couldn't do otherwise"

Viktor Rudyi had been deeply involved in martial arts throughout his life, excelling in boxing, judo, and combat sambo, with his greatest successes in boxing. He continued training even during his military service, focusing on strengthening his back muscles to carry heavy equipment with ease. These rigorous training sessions proved invaluable during combat, where he often carried 40-50 kilograms of gear despite weighing only 66 kilograms himself.

On February 25, 2022, Rudyi volunteered for the Ternopil 105th Separate Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces (TDF), joining the 82nd Separate Battalion. As a junior sergeant, he took on the role of unit commander.

"I sensed that danger was looming over our country, and I knew I had to defend it. I couldn't do otherwise, especially after taking the oath. My family, of course, was worried, but they understood and supported me," Viktor shares.

Though he had prior combat experience from his prior service, the intensity of the fighting after Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24 was far greater. His strong physical conditioning and skills in handling weapons of various calibers helped him successfully complete challenging combat missions.

"Initially, we supported the Territorial Defense units in the Sumy region, where we pushed out Russian brigades and fought against enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups. Alongside my comrades, I held the line at the Russian border, under frequent bombardment from large-caliber artillery," Rudyi recalls.

"I got lucky"

Later, Rudyi was transferred to the Kupiansk district in the Kharkiv region. On May 25, 2023, during a combat mission in the village of Masyutivka, tragedy struck. While evacuating the body of a fallen comrade, Rudyi was tracked by an enemy drone that directed artillery fire at him.

"The shell hit my legs. I was fortunate that I was part of an evacuation group, and there was a combat medic who quickly applied tourniquets," the soldier recalls. "I had to wait 3-4 hours for the evacuation vehicle, as it couldn't get to us due to the intense shelling."

Rudyi remained conscious throughout the journey to the Kharkiv hospital, driven by his fear of slipping into a coma. Upon arrival, both of his legs were amputated above the knee. Afterward, he was transferred to Lviv, where he underwent around seven surgeries before beginning rehabilitation at the Halychyna center.

New and modern prosthetics

In Halychyna, Rudyi received his first mechanical prosthetics, which allowed him to walk with the help of two crutches. During his rehabilitation, he met other soldiers who introduced him to a prosthetics program supported by the BGV Charity Fund.

"My application was approved, and in the spring of 2024, I went to Estonia for three weeks, where I was fitted with electric prosthetics using Ottobock technology," Rudyi explains. "These are a major upgrade from my first ones. They come with an app and have a wide range of functions—walking, running, playing football, basketball, tennis, and even locking the knee joint."

Although Rudyi is still getting used to the new prosthetics, the difference was immediate. "I don't get tired as quickly, and I no longer need one of the crutches. I charge the prosthetics every three to four days. Now, I'm much more mobile, can tackle obstacles more easily, and even have a free hand to help my wife with household tasks," he says.

Rudyi notes that modern prosthetic technology now allows people with amputations to quickly regain a full and active life. He dedicates time every day to training, mastering various prosthetics functions, and even teaching himself to fence. In addition, he attends IT courses and has a social media page where he shares his experiences from the war and his rehabilitation journey. Rudyi is also considering applying for a grant to start his own business—either a car wash or a café.

"Nothing is impossible, and giving up is not an option," Rudyi emphasizes. "We can't let the Russians think they've broken us. I wake up with that mindset every day, determined not to give them any reason to celebrate. I hope my story inspires other soldiers with amputations, showing them that life goes on."