comment: >
  
  I would suggest that Hannible of Carthage is probably not a good comparison. Yes, he took significant losses going over the Alp, but it allowed him to get the drop on the Roman Empire, allowing him to run around Italy unchecked for a significant period of time. When he was challanged, he proved himself to be a very capable commander, and secured multiple victories against the Empire. He was able to do this, in part, by the fact that he walked a load of elephants over a mountain (which is, admittedly, a ridiculous idea).
  Hannible was competent enough that Rome was reluctant to challenge him directly, and he wondered around Italy for over a decade before finally having to redeploy to Africa to challenge the Roman advance there.  He was considered to be the greatest threat to Rome during the second Punic war. Not a bad effort, considering he was going toe to toe with one of the most powerful empires on earth.
  This guy, in stark contrast, is a clown.
context: In his previous role, Nikiforov led the offensive on Kyiv. Some would call the promotion controversial as Lieutenant General Nikiforov is alleged to be partly responsible for failed attempts by the Eastern Group of Forces to advance into Kyiv via the toxic Chornobyl area.
  
  solid track record >
  
  Unconventional thinker! Lost fewer men to enemy action than friendly fire / stupidity. I like him already. >
  
  "Okay men, get on these elephants and go up those mountains!"