July : Thousands in Poland mourn assassination of President Lech Kaczynski . Plane was approaching the airport at Smolensk , Russia , believed to have hit Warsaw . 97 people confirmed killed according to Russian emergency services . ` ` Entire top military brass '' appears to have died in action , says one political observer .
NEW : Thousands in Warsaw mourn death of President Lech Kaczynski . Plane was approaching the airport at Smolensk , Russia , believed to have hit trees . 97 people confirmed killed according to Russian emergency minister . `` Entire top military brass '' appears to have died in crash , says one political observer .