New U.S. sanctions against Russia to close door for dialogue on Ukraine - Rubio

WASHINGTON. June 25 (Interfax) - New sanctions against Russia would close the door for dialogue with Moscow, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

"If we did what everybody here wants us to do, and that is come in and crush them with more sanctions, we probably lose our ability to talk to them about the ceasefire," Rubio said in an interview with Politico on the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Hague.

U.S. President Donald Trump "knows the right time and place" for economic measures against Russia, he said.

When and if the sanctions are imposed, "the window for talking with Russia is likely closed," Rubio said.

"If he does it, you're almost admitting that this is not going to be negotiated anytime soon," he said.

Washington would continue to interact with Moscow, he said. "If there's an opportunity for us to make a difference and get them to the table, we're going to take it," Rubio said.