The complete clearance of Ukrainian territory from mines and explosive remnants of war could take decades after the end of hostilities, according to Paul Heslop, Senior Mine Action Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Ukraine. Heslop explained that demining would occur in three chronological phases. He noted that removing the most immediate threats — those directly endangering lives — might take around five years. Resolving the bulk of the problem, he added, could require between ten and fifteen years. However, Heslop stressed that full clearance could take significantly longer. As an example, he mentioned Germany and Belgium, where unexploded ordnance from the First and Second World Wars is still being found. He also pointed out that Ukraine only finished clearing certain areas of World War II-era ammunition last year.