Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “skilled judo player,” saying he had changed the equation in Syria.

Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “skilled judo player,” saying he had changed the equation in Syria.

According to remarks published by Lebanese daily, as-Safir, Berri said created a positive shock after his announcement this week that his forces will withdraw from Syria.

“Putin can now say that he has done his share to facilitate the political settlement and that the Syrian opposition, and regional and international powers that are backing it should do the same,” Berri told his visitors.

Putin is known to be an avid sportsman and likes to show off his athleticism. He has a black belt in judo.

As he announced the withdrawal of Russian forces, Putin said Moscow's intervention had fulfilled its objectives by allowing Syrian military to "radically" turn the tide of war.

He added that the move should help serve as a stimulus for Syria's political talks, a sign that he is pressuring the Syrian leader to engage his foes in more meaningful dialogue.