Russia's Putin arrives for summit with North Korea's Kim

In this Wednesday, April 24, 2019, photo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, is welcomed by Russian officials on his arrival in Vladivostok, Russia. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this Wednesday, April 24, 2019, photo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, receives bread and salt on his arrival at Khasan train station, Primorsky Krai region, Russia. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Vladivostok for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Thursday's summit reflects Russia's effort to position itself as an essential player in the North Korean nuclear standoff.

Kim's first trip to Russia comes about two months after his second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which failed because of disputes over U.S.-led sanctions on the North.

Putin and Kim are set to have one-on-one meeting at the Far Eastern State University on the Russky Island across a bridge from Vladivostok. The meeting will be followed by broader talks involving officials from both sides.

Kim arrived Wednesday in Vladivostok on his armored train, saying upon arrival that he's hoping for a "successful and useful" visit.