50 tons of responsibility: how crane operator «Viliy» Ihor Rudyuk helps Lutsk recover from missile attacks
In times of testing, when Ukraine is resisting brutal Russian aggression, business plays a critical role not only in supporting the economy, but also in rebuilding the country and helping those in need. The «Viliya» group of companies does not stand aside from these processes, actively participating in initiatives aimed at eliminating the consequences of war. The company willingly responds to requests and, together with its employees, who master the necessary equipment, participates not only in dismantling rubble after missile attacks, but also in providing assistance to military units, demonstrating the true social responsibility of business in the most difficult times.
We talked with one of the employees of «Viliya», crane operator Ihor Rudyuk, who on June 6 helped eliminate the consequences of one of the largest missile attacks on Lutsk. Its history – is an example of care and professionalism that help our city recover from enemy strikes.
Since 2021, Ihor Rudyuk has been part of the «Viliya» team, where he works as a car crane driver. Its “ward” – is a powerful 50-ton crane, a real giant capable of moving significant loads. But Igor's path to this responsible profession began much earlier, back in 2010.
At that time, the man actively traveled abroad to earn money, working on construction sites. I started with smaller equipment, but later I realized: work on large units is not only more interesting, but also valued much higher. This interest and desire for a larger scale led Igor to the decision to try himself as a crane operator, a profession that became his life's work.
«My development in the profession took place gradually, step by step. There were times when I worked on a crane, then switched to a manipulator, then returned to the cranes again. I started with a 16-ton, then mastered a 25-ton, then a – 35-ton, and now I work on a 50-ton giant. Over all these years, I have been in a wide variety of situations, gained invaluable experience and now I literally feel the faucet. When I arrive at the facility, I immediately see how close I need to get, whether I need to clear the site. I was once told that when I was interned: «You won't become a real crane operator if you don't feel the crane». So it happened and I'm proud of it».
Igor's daily work mainly takes place on construction sites. This could be the installation of new facilities or work at elevator facilities in Volyn, Rivne, Ternopil or Lviv regions. However, with the beginning of a full-scale war, the usual tasks were supplemented by those that require special courage and efficiency. Igor is now regularly involved in work at sites affected by Russian missiles or chessboards, where his skills and experience become indispensable in dealing with the aftermath of the devastation.
«Unfortunately, I have already had the opportunity to work at such facilities more than once. At the beginning of the full-scale war, I worked at our airfield, disassembled the rubble at the Bearing Plant, helped eliminate the consequences of hitting a five-story building on the Renaissance. The last such experience was when on June 6 we eliminated the consequences of hitting a nine-story building in Lutsk».
During such emergency situations, as Igor tells, reports about the need to go to the facility are received very quickly. After all, the technique he controls is very helpful in such matters. «In general, there are only two such large 50-ton cranes in Volyn –, one of which we have on «Viliya», the other – in Kivertsy. That's why we work on such objects», – he explains.
«What exactly do you have to do? Raise the plates that hit the cars. We remove the stoves to get to the cars, then assemble the cars to clear the passage for the State Emergency Service. These are not rescue operations directly, but they are also worth their weight in gold, because the number in such situations goes to minutes», – emphasizes Igor, realizing the importance of every second.
According to the man, work in crisis situations is radically different from the usual construction days. If during routine tasks, action algorithms are clearly defined and objects are prepared for work in advance, then everything is different at the hit points. Often access can be difficult and there are no working conditions. Unpredictable factors, such as a suddenly cracked slab or a torn sling, significantly increase the complexity and danger of the work being performed. In such circumstances, every movement of the crane operator requires maximum concentration, quick response and an impeccable sense of technology, because not only material values are at stake, but also the safety of people.
«In emergency situations, it is very important to be as attentive as possible to work on the crane. After all, everything happens quickly, chaotically. When, under normal conditions, you come to the facility, calmly assess the situation and plan actions, then everything is different here. Here you are constantly hurried – let's go faster.
And in such conditions, it is often possible to make mistakes –, for example, it is enough to lay out the faucet on soft soil and the paw can sag, and the faucet itself — can collapse. Without proper attention, many problems can be created. So this trait is decisive in such a work», – emphasizes Igor.
In general, you can get used to difficult working conditions, urgency and technical features. The most difficult thing is to adapt morally to working in such facilities, – says Igor.
«Of course, there is nothing pleasant in such work. Every time you go and think about whether there are victims, worry, ask if it was possible to save them, or if everyone is healthy. The last time I arrived, I heard that they were looking for a young couple. I started my work, hoped that we would find it. But, unfortunately, the situation ended tragically.
It is very difficult to see and experience all this – broken equipment, broken rooms, human sacrifices. This is a difficult job, but at the same time a responsible one. If you know that there is at least a ghostly hope that your work can help save lives – means you have to work», – shares Igor.
Igor's work is not limited to the elimination of rubble at the places of hits. His crane operator skills are also useful to our defenders. He regularly works with military units, helping to repair heavy military equipment. Some samples weigh 20-30 tons and cannot be lifted without a crane. Then Igor comes to the rescue: he loads equipment from military racks, and then specialists decide how to repair it.
In addition, the man joins other social initiatives. Priests often turn to him with a request to install a dome on the temple. Ihor gladly agrees, because he considers it a good thing. Recently, he managed to mount a dome on the temple in Lutsk, which is located near the Central Park.
«In my opinion, such tasks are very important. And I am very glad that our company always supports such initiatives. This is vital, especially now, during war. Everyone should do what is in their power. If some enterprise or business has equipment or other resources that can help the state, in particular in the confrontation with the enemy, then it is certainly necessary to use them. I am convinced that there is a lot of such responsible business in Ukraine, and this is what helps us to survive», – concludes Ihor Rudyuk.
