Russia adamant in opposition to missile defenses

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday urged Russia to drop its opposition to American plans to develop defenses in Europe against long-range nuclear missiles, but the Russians refused to budge. "We face new threats that require new strategies for deterrence and defense," Gates said in a prepared statement delivered with Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov seated beside him. "We invite Russia to join our defensive endeavor as a partner." Serdyukov, however, made clear that Moscow is opposed, and he gave no hint of reversing course.