How extensive were the modifications needed to convert the Tu-22M into the Tu-344? The fuselage seems to have a bulge in order to hold the passenger cabin. Who would have operated it? Would it have been used like the MiG-25 Business jet, to transport the Soviet Union's top brass over long distances, quickly, or would it have been used in mainline passenger service? The former seems most likely to me, as it carries to few seats to make it economical in passenger service unless the tickets were wildly expensive.
Also, would there have been any problems with the sonic boom?