RegDep,
Interesting report that you linked, given the mix up on the weather data given out in pre-flight - enroute update.
Likewise, PLF 101 was never briefed on the early morning fog that was forecasted to last only a few hours - Then the crew was hit with the reality of fog.
If PLF 101 had been briefed on the weather and forecasts, the decision (since many are stating there was no PAR at Smolensk North) to try an approach with poor visibilities, could have been easily avoided by delying the flight by two hours.
If that had occured, then this thread would not exist.