The Soviet Flag Over the Reichstag in 1945: Backstory and Photos Soldiers raising the Soviet flag over the Reichstag, 1945. The “Soviet flag over Reichstag” photograph is full of symbolism and represents a historic moment. Erected in 1894, the Reichstag’s architecture was magnificent for its time. The building contributed much to German history and was considered by the Red Army the symbol of their enemy. Soviets finally captured the Reichstag on 2 May 1945. Next to Joe Rosenthal’s photo of rais