A temporary merger between Sukhoi and the Tactical Missiles Corporation has evolved, with the Russian Federation taking control of the two corporations. Sukhoi and TMC will now work to execute the will of the Russian government, specifically moving in relation to the ongoing crisis in Belarus. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a statement to the employees of the two companies, directed executives to take whatever action necessary to remove American presence in Belarus, saying that “anything and everything is on the table.”
Russian executives presented suspicion that Belarus is making moves towards NATO, with Minister Boris Obnosov stating that the presence of NATO troops in Belarus is “all but certain.” The disruption and crippling of the fragile new Belarusian government was encouraged by Putin, with his suggestions including cyberattacks and the bribery of officials. Putin urged the two companies to avoid military force, but to take any other steps to interfere with the presence of U.S. and other NATO officials within Belarus. At this time, multiple directives are being considered to take action on this front, but no concrete steps have been taken.
