How Airbnb rentals are helping Ukrainians amid war with Russia

By Team Newsable | First Published Mar 6, 2022, 12:10 PM IST

People are sharing on social media how they booked their stay in various Ukrainian towns to donate money to residents who are facing extreme financial hardship and losses as a result of the Russian invasion.

Despite the fact that Ukraine is at war, Airbnb bookings in the country are skyrocketing. As Russia's aggression against its neighbour continues, people all over the world have come up with an unusual way to help Ukrainians by paying for their rentals even though they are unable to visit the country. People are sharing on social media how they booked their stay in various Ukrainian towns to donate money to residents who are facing extreme financial hardship and losses as a result of the Russian invasion.

The move comes after the home rental platform earlier this week offered free housing to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees, as well as an invitation to others to participate by offering their homes.

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It all started when the popular Instagram account @quentin.quarantino suggested the idea, and others quickly followed suit. "Yesterday, I proposed a way to help Ukraine by renting out rooms on Airbnb. "24 hours later, hundreds of people are booking AirBnBs in Ukraine to send immediate monetary assistance to people in hard-hit areas," he wrote online, sharing some conversations between the hosts and the guests.

Yesterday I shared an idea to support Ukraine by booking rooms for rent on AirBNB. 24 hours later, 100's of people are booking AirBnBs in Ukraine as a way to send immediate monetary assistance to people in hard-hit areas. The messages in response from the hosts are so moving pic.twitter.com/ai2Je8VKCt

— IG: @quentin.quarantino (@quentquarantino)

But it was Airbnb's clarification that they would not be taking a cut of all bookings in Ukraine during the crisis that prompted others to join quickly. Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, also took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the outpouring of support. "61,406 nights have been booked in Ukraine in the last 48 hours. That's $1.9M going to Hosts in need," Chesky tweeted, calling it a "cool idea."

We can confirm we are waiving all guest and Host fees on all bookings in Ukraine at this time. https://t.co/WCQEFGIlXC

— Airbnb Help (@AirbnbHelp)

In 48 hours, 61,406 nights have been booked in Ukraine. That's $1.9M going to Hosts in need

Such a cool idea from our community. Thank you https://t.co/MEitgKB5Eo

— Brian Chesky 🇺🇦 (@bchesky)

Here's how netizens are coming forward to help the citizens stranded in Ukraine:

We can also try our bits by helping the people of Ukraine. Hope 1-2k cut from your monthly expense will make no difference for you but can add a huge bit of relief to those citizens. Please book any space for a day on

Link: https://t.co/wuRolQUino

— manisha rabha (@manisharabha07)

I booked this apartment on for two nights.

Besides donating to the Red Cross, this is a way to help send money directly to people in Ukraine. https://t.co/keHqBTIceb pic.twitter.com/hb4rx1gxFX

— 🔩 antivaxxers! 🇨🇦 🇺🇦 (@celliottdisabi1)

Love the idea to support Ukrainian hosts but how can we make sure that the Ukrainians looking to rent safe homes in the west of the country aren’t met with a bought up market?

— Valerie B. Kennedy (@valbkennedy)

Feeling helpless, I booked an in Kiev for a stay this week knowing the money would go direct to someone there. There were no air bnb fees attached. This is the beautiful response I got. She also told me they know the world supports them and they can all feel it 💛💙😭 pic.twitter.com/j9h88AEvit

— Kate Hutchison (@hutch8)

I saw this idea and booked a locally owned AirBNB in Kyiv to help get money directly to the residents there. Air BNB have waived the fees for all Ukrainian properties 💛💙🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/B9MkCIAmu4

— Kay ♡ (@KayWestgate)

We booked some nights in Kharkiv on AirBnB to try to send some tangible, immediate assistance. I wrote the hosts a message and received this back. Only sharing in case you’re not sure if it’s a helpful thing to do. pic.twitter.com/yGzRZVFflk

— Kirsty Webeck (@KirstyWebeck)

Hoping this is a way to help in some small way by booking an Airbnb to get funds quickly & directly to the people on the ground.

If you want to help please read these messages from the lovely lady I booked with for some of the small towns that could most use it 🙏🏼❤️🏡 pic.twitter.com/9C6RRpoOrV

— Caty Price (@caty_price)

Another way to help . Booking rooms on in areas directly affected provides funds/support to Ukrainiens who need it most. I booked three rooms in the areas currently being attacked. have stopped all booking charges so £ goes straight to communities.🇺🇦💙💛 pic.twitter.com/bijrBbtyiX

— Mol (@MollyMorriss)

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