Since July 2024, Pukish has been the target of a media campaign alleging the production of defective mortar mines. In May 2026, the president imposed sanctions against him over alleged ties to Viktor Medvedchuk - ties that Pukish categorically denies.

The plant has a concrete contribution to the war effort: after 2014, Presmash retooled for military needs, manufacturing ammunition loading equipment and mine casings. In 2024, it delivered over 95,000 units to the front.

In February 2025, Pukish was physically attacked and sustained serious injuries requiring surgery on his neck. The investigation into the assault has been effectively blocked in the courts.

The consequences of the sanctions include a halt in production, suspension of bank financing, and freezing of defense contracts. Pukish has appealed to the president to establish an investigative commission for an objective review of his case.