A South Korean court has convicted a 26-year-old man of attempting to dodge mandatory military service by deliberately gaining weight, local media reports.

The man, who was facing a required physical examination for military service, began binge eating in an attempt to qualify as obese and avoid combat duty. His actions led to his classification as obese, allowing him to serve in a non-combat role at a government agency instead of in the military’s frontlines.

The court in Seoul sentenced the defendant to a one-year suspended prison sentence, meaning he will avoid jail time unless he commits another crime within the next two years. Additionally, a friend who had recommended and helped the man follow an intensive eating regimen received a six-month suspended sentence.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men over the age of 18 are required to serve in the military for a minimum of 18 months, although certain exemptions or adjustments can be made for health reasons. The defendant’s case drew attention as it highlighted the lengths some are willing to go to avoid military conscription.

According to the Korea Herald, the defendant had been assessed as fit for combat duty during an initial medical exam. However, when he went for his final examination last year, he weighed in at over 102kg (225 lbs), a weight classification that categorized him as heavily obese.

The friend who suggested the binge-eating plan denied the charges of aiding and abetting, claiming he never believed his friend would follow through with the drastic diet changes. Despite this, the court found the recommendation and support for the weight-gain regimen to be criminally liable.

This case has raised questions about the pressures of mandatory military service in South Korea and the lengths some individuals might go to in order to avoid it. The government enforces strict regulations regarding military conscription, with exceptions made only in cases of severe health issues or other unique circumstances.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has emphasized that there are no “red lines” when it comes to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the BBC, Barrot affirmed that Ukraine has the right to fire French long-range missiles into Russian territory as part of its self-defense efforts, but he did not confirm whether French weapons had already been used in such a manner.

The comments come after a week of significant escalation in the war, which saw the first use of US and UK long-range missiles fired into Russian territory. Barrot, who was in London for talks with Foreign Secretary David Lammy, reiterated that Western allies should not impose limits on their support for Ukraine. “We will support Ukraine as intensely and as long as necessary,” he said, stressing that European security is directly at stake. Barrot further noted that any territorial gain by Russian forces brings the threat closer to Europe.

Barrot’s remarks echo earlier statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who had previously indicated France’s openness to allowing the use of its missiles against Russian targets. However, the Foreign Minister’s comments are particularly notable as they come amid growing international concerns over the conflict’s escalation. In his interview, Barrot also suggested that NATO could eventually extend an invitation to Ukraine, aligning with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s longstanding request for membership.

As part of a broader defense strategy, Barrot also hinted at the need for increased military spending across Western nations. “Of course we will have to spend more if we want to do more,” he remarked, underscoring the need to strengthen defenses in response to evolving global threats.

Meanwhile, the situation in Ukraine continues to intensify, with reports of Ukrainian drones hitting key Russian ammunition depots, including some supplied by North Korea. The UK government has made long-term commitments to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities, particularly in drone technology. Despite tight budgets and cautious political calculations, UK officials emphasize the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine, including through a treaty signed in July to help arm the country in the long term.

As the conflict progresses, concerns are also growing about the potential impact of future leadership in the United States, particularly with the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House. Sources within the UK government are focused on positioning Ukraine in the strongest possible position for any future negotiations. While official statements maintain that it is for Ukraine alone to decide if and when negotiations take place, there are private discussions about what potential compromises could be acceptable.

With the war showing no signs of abating, Western nations are bracing for a long-term geopolitical struggle, particularly as Russia deepens its alliances with countries like North Korea and Iran.

Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides has hailed the recent two-notch credit rating upgrade from Moody’s, describing it as a significant step for the country’s economic future. The rating agency raised Cyprus’s credit rating from Baa2 to A3, marking the island’s return to the “A” investment category for the first time since 2011, when the country was hit by a financial crisis and bailout interventions from the EU and the IMF.

In its assessment, Moody’s highlighted Cyprus’s substantial progress in improving its fiscal metrics and public debt. The credit agency noted that the country’s public debt ratio has seen a marked reduction from the high levels recorded in 2020, positioning Cyprus among the global leaders in debt reduction. Moody’s anticipates further declines in debt ratios over the medium term, contributing to a continued strengthening of public debt sustainability.

The upgrade also reflects solid economic growth, driven by expanding service sectors, including those related to corporate relocations, foreign direct investment (FDI), and reforms under Cyprus’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Moody’s also acknowledged that the country’s banking sector has been stabilizing, with risks “contained” due to the ongoing deleveraging process and significant improvements in the credit profile of Cypriot banks.

President Christodoulides expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing the importance of the upgrade for Cyprus’s economic trajectory. In a video statement shared on social media, he stated, “Today’s exceptionally important double-upgrade by Moody’s Rating Agency is a vote of confidence in the policies of the government and the economy of our country.” He credited the positive result to responsible fiscal policies, financial sector stability, and ongoing reforms, all of which are central to his administration’s agenda.

The President also noted that the upgrade would likely lead to increased foreign investment, the creation of new jobs, and a more dynamic economic growth outlook for Cyprus. “The new upgrade paves the way for significant prospects, while enhancing the attraction of quality investments that contribute to the creation of new jobs, as well as to the government’s efforts to establish our country as a reliable and quality investment destination,” Christodoulides added.

Cyprus’s improved credit rating and the resulting investor confidence signal a bright future for the nation, with strengthened competitiveness and continued focus on policies aimed at enhancing the standard of living for its citizens.