In September 2022, due to the Russian army's widespread logistical problems in the invasion of Ukraine, he was dismissed and replaced by colonel general Mikhail Mizintsev.

Bulgakov joined the army in 1972 and studied the Volsk Higher Military School of Logistics named after the Lenin Red Banner Komsomol between 1972 and 1976.

From 2 December 2008 to 27 July 2010, Bulgakov became the Chief of Logistics of the Armed Forces, and the Deputy Minister of Defense.

For courage and heroism shown in the performance of military duty, in May 2016, Bulgakov was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation.

[3] On 7 October 2020, as part of the SPM crew, he personally entered the territory of a burning ammunition warehouse in the Ryazan Oblast.