Putin apologises over plane crash, without saying Russia is at fault

The BBC World Service Global News Podcast from December 29th highlights significant international events. It opens with President Putin's apology regarding the Azerbaijan Airlines crash, though he stops short of taking full responsibility. The podcast then covers the recent prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia, the expulsion of former Syrian military figures from Lebanon, and the kidnapping of a Sufi leader in Mali. Additionally, it discusses a new EU law that requires USB-C chargers for most electronics, along with the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Throughout, listeners are informed about current global affairs and the personal toll these events take, particularly on families of Ukrainian prisoners of war.