Refugee seen before catching a Russian plane
I believe the answer is:
emigre
'refugee' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'before catching a russian plane' is the wordplay.
'before' becomes 'ere' (poetic term for 'before').
'catching' is an insertion indicator.
'a russian plane' becomes 'MiG' (MiG is a Russian aircraft manufacturer).
'ere' enclosing 'mig' is 'EMIGRE'.
'seen' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for emigre that I've seen before include "Regime (anag)" , "One living abroad (to escape regime)" , "Fugitive" , "One living abroad for political reasons" , "outcast?" .)