RetiredF4
I understand your points. However, for example, all your points about ATCs would be 100% valid if both the crew and the ATC worked for the same team, trained the same procedures and were required to use them. None of these facts are true. What's more, the trip was sort of an "in-your-face" operation, and nobody on either side liked their predicament – because it was first and foremost an idiotic pre-election dog and pony show, and Katyn was the excuse.
As to proof of the other assertions - they are all around, both directly and in well documented past behavior - such as meddling with crew, strong arming the crew, or "fixing" the fog so otherwise illegal landing could take place. It's all well documented now.