May 9, 1999
Web posted at: 6:18 a.m. EDT (1018 GMT)

MOSCOW (CNN) -- Speaking at a Victory Day reception after a parade in Red Square, Russian President Boris Yeltsin said on Sunday that Russia "will not spare any effort to extinguish the hotbed of war in Yugoslavia".

Yeltsin said "the period of the Cold War, with its mutual mistrust and fear, is behind us, but there is still an attempt to decide controversial issues by force of arms," according to the Interfax news agency.

"All countries must not forget the main lesson of war: A spark of power can become the spark of a great fire," Yeltsin said.

Russia, he said, will continue to work for the "peaceful coexistence of nations".

The Russian president made his comments after the annual Victory Day Parade in Red Square, in which 5,000 members of the Russian military took part. The parade contained no military hardware.

Some elderly veterans who fought in World War Two told CNN of their anger and frustration over the Nato attacks on Yugoslavia. One man, his chest covered with medals, called it a "disgrace" and said it was frustrating Russia can do nothing to help Yugoslavia.

Communists also held their own Victory Day march. Up to 50,000 people reportedly took part. Many carried anti-Nato signs and banners.

From CNN Moscow Bureau Chief Jill Dougherty.