Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter{beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security   The Big Story  Putin congratulates Trump on electionPresident-elect Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have close ties, something the next White House occupant has not been shy to admit.© AP Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi, Putin called Trump a “courageous man” after a July assassination attempt.  Putin also said he was ready for dialogue and that Trump's campaign statements deserve attention.  His remarks came after a Kremlin spokesperson had said Wednesday there was no indication of Putin extending a congratulations to Trump following his electoral victory over Vice President Harris.  Trump has often praised Putin, calling him a "genius" after his 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He also reportedly called him seven times since leaving the White House in January 2021 and sent the Russian leader a COVID-19 test kit in 2020.  Veteran journalist Bob Woodward, who reported that Trump had called Putin after leaving office, pointed to their relationship as something to watch in the next four years.  "There is much to watch, particularly in that relationship," Woodward said.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Trump early Wednesday after it became clear he would win the election and the Ukrainian leader later spoke to Trump by phone. Zelensky has so far offered an upbeat tone about the prospect of a second Trump administration. In a speech in Budapest on Thursday, Zelensky described the phone call with Trump as "productive" and "good."  "Of course, we cannot yet know what his actions will be. But we do hope that America will become stronger," he said, saying this was "the kind of America that Europe needs."  But Zelensky also said it was vital for allies to stand by Ukraine and not offer concessions, specifically referring to European nations, and that Kyiv must decide what peace looks like with Russia. "It is up to Ukraine to decide what should and should not be on the agenda for ending this war,” he said. A second Trump administration is expected to upend U.S. national security and foreign policy, throwing into doubt Washington's support for Ukraine and other European allies.  Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine by the time he takes office on Jan. 20, though he has not offered details on how, spurring fears he will cede territory to Russia in return for a fragile peace. And Trump also threatened to let Russia do "whatever the hell they want" to European members of NATO who don't pay enough in defense spending.   Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & National Security newsletter, I'm Brad Dress — 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:  9/11 plotters’ plea deals valid, military judge rulesA military judge has ruled that plea agreements in the 9/11 case were valid, making it possible for the three prisoners accused of helping to plot the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to be sentenced to life in prison instead of death. Col. Matthew McCall ruled Wednesday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was too late and acting beyond his authority when he revoked the three separate pretrial agreements for Khalid Sheikh …  Full Story  Macron asks if Europe is prepared to defend its interests after Trump’s win France’s president Emmanuel Macron said Europe should not reflect on whether President-elect Trump’s victory is “good,” but instead consider how it will impact the continent’s priorities.  Full Story   Zelensky says he had ‘productive’ conversation with Trump Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a speech in Budapest on Thursday that he had a productive conversation with President-elect Trump after Tuesday’s election win and expressed optimism in his leadership. “It was a productive conversation, a good conversation,” Zelensky said of his phone call with Trump on Wednesday. “Of course, we cannot yet know what his actions will be. But we do hope that …  Full Story   On Our Radar  Upcoming things we're watching on our beat:  Congress returns to session next week after an election recess.President Biden will travel to Peru and Brazil Nov. 14-19.  In Other News  Branch out with a different read from The Hill:Israel, Boeing agree to $5.2B deal for 25 F-15 fighter jets Israel’s Ministry of Defense and Boeing agreed to a $5.2 billion deal to acquire 25 F-15 next-generation fighter jets.  The Jewish state’s defense ministry said the agreement, signed on Wednesday, was part of a broader package of U.S. aid that Congress and the administration greenlighted. It also includes an option for another 25 jets.  The fighter aircraft will have the latest Israeli weapons system as well … Full Story   On Tap Tomorrow  Events in and around the defense world:  The Atlantic Council will discuss veterans and the cyber workforce during a 11 a.m. ET hybrid event. The U.S. Institute of Peace chats on the lives of Russian exiles during a 2 p.m. hybrid event.  What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets: How Trump may shake up DOD: an insider’s view (Defense One) Nigerian military warns of new militia threat from Niger and Mali (Reuters)  Trending Today  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Trump’s second term Cabinet: Here’s who may fill key roles President-elect Trump’s transition team has already started vetting potential candidates to serve in key administration posts once he takes office … Read more Who is Susie Wiles, whom Trump thanked in his victory speech? Susie Wiles, President-elect Trump’s campaign co-chair and a longtime political strategist, was among the people Trump thanked as he took the … Read more  Opinions in The Hill Op-eds related to defense & national security submitted to The Hill: Biden needs to Trump-proof US support for NATO, Ukraine Mad Vlad’s ‘Red Dawn’  You're all caught up. 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