UFA, February 26 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will work with any new U.S. administration formed after presidential elections in November, a Russian first deputy prime minister and the man favorite to succeed President Putin said on Tuesday.

"We will work with any administration that is formed following the elections," Dmitry Medvedev said. "It would, although, undoubtedly be easier to deal with people enjoying an up-to-date outlook, rather than with those who have reflections of the past in their eyes, or simply advocate semi-moronic views."

Relations between Russia and the United States have worsened recently over a host of issues, including differences on Kosovo and Iran and Washington's plans to deploy a radar and a missile base in Central Europe.

Washington has also criticized Russia for what it calls a backsliding on democracy. Moscow accuses the U.S. of pursuing hostile, Cold-War-era policies toward Russia.

However, Medvedev said the two countries have "a lot of reasons to cooperate," including in the spheres of economy, regional conflicts and other challenges. "We have maintained cooperation with the Americans in all those issues," he said.

Presidential polls are due in Russia on March 2. A recent state-run opinion poll indicated that the Kremlin front-runner Medvedev enjoyed the support of 72.9% of voters. Current President Vladimir Putin is unable to stand for a third term under the Constitution.

Medvedev was publicly backed by Putin as his successor in mid-December, and was later nominated by the ruling United Russia party as a presidential candidate. Putin has also said he will accept the post of prime minister if Medvedev becomes president.