Russia Has 'Sweet Deal' In Syria, Expert Says

Russia has a "sweet deal" in Syria as Moscow finds itself with allies on both sides of the conflict, according to an expert.

Dr Julie Norman, a teaching fellow in politics and international relations, told Forces News that recent developments show the US is "ready to wash its hands with this region... and pretty much hand it over to Russia".

Her comments come after US President Donald Trump declared a "permanent" ceasefire had been agreed between Turkey and Kurdish-led forces in north-east Syria.

Turkey, which views Kurdish forces as terrorists, launched an offensive into the region after the withdrawal of US troops.

Mr Trump described the ceasefire as a "major breakthrough" and said: "Let someone else fight over this long, blood-stained sand."

The move has seen Russia ally with Turkey.

Russia has announced it is sending hundreds of more troops, and extra military hardware, for joint patrols with Turkish forces in the new "safe zone" along the Turkish-Syria border.

WATCH: Dr Norman speaks to Forces News.

Dr Norman said it is no surprise to see Russia gaining more influence.

"It has certainly increased Russia's rule in the region," she said.

"This was something that was expected - that with the US withdrawal there would be this vacuum in the region and Russia was very well-positioned to move into that role.

"US-Russia relations have been a bit fluctuating under the Trump administration, so this will surely continue that."

Russia is also allied with the Syrian regime and Dr Norman said it leaves the country "in an interesting position".

"For Russia, this is a really sweet deal and they didn't really have to do anything, " Dr Norman said.

"We now see them in a position where they have a lot of leverage and a lot of influence on both sides of an important border."

Meanwhile, Turkish forces and their allies have attacked Syrian government troops in north-eastern Syria, according to a state-run news agency in Syria.

The SANA news agency reported that Syrian army positions outside the town of Tal Tamr were attacked by Turkish troops and its allied fighters.