Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter{beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security   The Big Story  Zelensky's victory plan for Ukraine is here Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday publicly unveiled his “Victory Plan” for Ukraine’s defensive war against Russia, following closed-door pitches with world leaders and including the two U.S. presidential candidates. © AP In a speech to Ukraine’s Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, Zelensky outlined five major points that focus on building up the country’s defense capacity to deter Russian aggression.  Ukraine also will seek to integrate economic and military connections to Europe and the U.S. as a way to more deeply tie the fates of those governments together as a defense against Russia.  “For our partners, it is completely practical to help us not only endure but also prevail in war for our lives. In doing so, they will help themselves just as much,” Zelensky said.  The Ukrainian leader called the implementation of the plan “time-based” and that it can be used to “end the war no later than next year.”  Zelensky appealed to the coalition of American and European partners to push back against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reliance on rogue states like North Korea. Ukrainian intelligence has documented the transfer from Pyongyang of both weapons and people, he said, adding North Koreans are working in Russian factories and “personnel for the Russian army.”   He called out Iran’s support for Putin and China’s cooperation with Russia as further underscoring the imperative for democratic nations to stand with Ukraine.  “Putin will manage to significantly strengthen himself next year, to strengthen himself to the point where diplomacy will be permanently abandoned,” he said.  Zelensky said he will present the victory plan at a meeting of the European Council and added that while Ukraine is open to diplomacy, it must be based on justice.   “Russia must permanently lose control over Ukraine and even the desire for such control. All these possibilities,” he said.  Zelensky’s promotion of the victory plan comes against the backdrop of increased strains on international support for Ukraine and questions over the durability and commitment from the U.S., in particular. Former President Trump, the Republican nominee for president, has raised concern among Ukraine’s supporters that he would hold back American military support to Kyiv in favor of a negotiated deal with Putin.   Read the full report at TheHill.com.  Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & National Security newsletter, I'm Ellen Mitchell — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond.   Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here.   Essential Reads  How policy will affect defense and national security now and inthe future:  US unveils sanctions targeting Hezbollah fundingThe Biden administration announced new sanctions Wednesday against three individuals and four companies with alleged ties to revenue streams for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. A press release from the Department of Treasury said the individuals and companies were involved in a Lebanon-based sanctions evasion network that “generated millions of dollars in revenue” for Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist …  Full Story  Pentagon confirms ‘incursions’ of unauthorized drones over Air Force baseThe Pentagon has confirmed a number of “unauthorized” drone flights last year in restricted airspace over a Virginia base that houses the nation’s most advanced fighter jets. The Wall Street Journal first reported that for 17 days in December, a fleet of the unidentified aircraft flew over Langley Air Force Base as well as over the area that includes the Navy’s SEAL Team Six home base and Naval Station Norfolk, the …  Full Story  Biden announces $425 million security aid package for UkrainePresident Biden on Wednesday discussed U.S. support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and announced a new $425 million military aid package. Included in the package are additional air defense capabilities, air-to-ground munitions, armored vehicles and munitions, the White House said in a readout of the president’s call.  “President Zelenskyy …  Full Story  ISIS-K orchestrated foiled Election Day terror plot: US official (NewsNation) — The Afghan branch of the Islamic State, ISIS-K, orchestrated an Afghan man’s foiled Election Day terror plot, a U.S. official confirmed to NewsNation. Afghan native Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, was arrested in early October and accused of planning to target large groups of people on Nov. 5. He told investigators he and a co-conspirator — whose identity has not been released — planned to die as martyrs. “As charged, …  Full Story   On Our Radar  Upcoming things we're watching on our beat:  President Biden will travel to Germany tomorrow for meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Berlin. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is in Brussels tomorrow to meet with NATO officials and discuss Ukraine and the threat of ISIS. He and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will make remarks at the start of the meeting.  In Other News  Branch out with a different read from The Hill:Trump’s threat to deploy military against ‘radical left’ draws backlash Former President Trump’s suggestion that U.S. troops could be used to go after “radical-left lunatics” following the presidential election has alarmed those in the military community and bolstered Democratic warnings about the dangers of a second Trump term. Trump, who warned Sunday that he could … Full Story   On Tap Tomorrow  Events in and around the defense world:  Hudson Institute will hold a discussion on “Strengthening the Allied Industrial Base,” with Rep. Robert Wittman (R-Va.) and South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Hyun-dong Cho, among others, at 9 a.m. EDT. The Council for a Livable World, J Street, and Foreign Policy for America will host a virtual discussion on “Election 2024: The Future of Progressive Foreign Policy,” at 5 p.m. EDT.    What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets: After nine grueling months at sea, USS Theodore Roosevelt is home (Military Times) Military voters, advocates worry votes won't count amid GOP election challenges (Military.com)  Trending Today  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Harris, Bret Baier spar over immigration at outset of Fox News interview Vice President Harris on Wednesday sparred at length with Fox News anchor Bret Baier over immigration in a rare sit down with the network. Baier opened … Read more FEMA workers threatened by armed group in Tennessee “They were all armed, open carry not guns drawn, but they had surrounded them and there was a lady there that was yelling and threatening them.” Read more  You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Defense and National Security newsletter Subscribe