Development of a new submachine gun chambered for the 9×21 mm cartridge (also used by the SR-1 "Gyurza" pistol) was launched in mid-1990s on the order of the FSB.
"Veresk" and its round were created as a compact weapon capable of engaging enemies wearing Russian class-II body armor (able to stop ordinary pistol bullets, such as 9×19mm Parabellum and 7.62×25mm Tokarev), and soft-skinned vehicles, at distances up to 200 metres.