ATC Watcher
The Minsk ATC has reportedly released the audio (haven't managed to locate it so I will refrain from any conclusion) of the interchange between the pilots and the tower. Again reportedly the pilot says “WE are requesting emergency landing”. It would obviously be most helpfull to have said recording (I'm sure it exists).
Anyway the RYR crew has been debriefed, their story will no doubt come out soon , so a bit of patience.
I wouldn't be so sure of that... especially if it doesn't match the current narative