Grigory Bulatov and Recon Platoon Storming the Reichstag, May 1945

August 12, 2025 - Reading time: 4 minutes

Grigory Bulatov and his recon platoon stormed the Reichstag in May 1945, with Bulatov credited by some as the first to raise the Soviet flag atop the building.

This iconic photograph features Grigory Bulatov, a private of the reconnaissance platoon of the 674th Rifle Regiment, 150th Idritskaya Rifle Division, standing proudly during the storming of the Reichstag in May 1945. Bulatov is believed by some to be the first soldier to raise the Red Banner over the Reichstag, symbolizing the Soviet victory in the Battle of Berlin — though the widely popularized names remain those of Mikhail Yegorov and Meliton Kantaria.

The heroic deed that earned Bulatov recognition took place on April 30, 1945, when, according to his award citation, he and his comrades stormed the Reichstag, captured one of its basement exits, and held off up to 300 German defenders. At 14:25, Bulatov raised the Red Banner on the upper floors of the building, marking a decisive moment in the final battle against Nazi Germany.

The photo also shows other key members of the platoon: Lieutenant Semyon Sorokin (wearing a leather jacket and cap), Sergeant Viktor Provotorov (left edge with the Order of the Patriotic War), Senior Sergeant Ivan Lysenko (behind Bulatov), and Stepan Oreshko (far right with a flashlight on his jacket). Their combined efforts symbolize the bravery and tenacity of Soviet scouts and infantrymen who fought relentlessly to end the war.

Grigory Bulatov was recommended for the title Hero of the Soviet Union, but was instead awarded the Order of the Red Banner, one of the highest military honors.

Technical photo data:
📝 Source of information: Unknown
📍 Location: Berlin, Germany
📅 Date of photo: May 1945
📷 Photographer: Alexander Kapustyansky

Grigory Bulatov Soviet scout
Reichstag Red Banner 1945
150th Rifle Division Berlin
Battle of Berlin Soviet troops
Soviet flag over Reichstag
Red Army reconnaissance platoon
Mikhail Yegorov Meliton Kantaria
Soviet heroes WWII Berlin
April 30 1945 Reichstag
Soviet infantrymen Berlin