It was all smiles and bonhomie as President Vladimir Putin hosted Kim Jong Un in Vladivostok. But Kim's hopes of sanctions relief won't be realized soon.

A clear message to the United States from Vladivostok: you're not the only show in town.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Kim Jong Un on Thursday (April 25) on a Russian island, in a display of global clout for both.

U.S. President Donald Trump's talks with Kim on Pyongyang's nuclear program broke down two months ago.

And, now the Supreme Leader is keen to explore other options -- specially ones that help lift the weight of international and U.S. sanctions.

Reuters' Christian Lowe in Moscow says Russia, an ally of Pyongyang, wants to be back at the table of any peace talks.

CHRISTIAN LOWE, REUTERS MOSCOW BUREAU CHIEF, SAYING:

"Russia is kind of back in the game, and I think that Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, is exploiting that. And he's using the summit to show the world that Russia can again have decisive influence over what happens with North Korea and is a major player on the world stage."