People are paying for Ukrainian Airbnbs despite having no intention of showing up, in an effort to help those suffering financial hardship following the Russian invasion, it has been claimed.
One couple tweeted a picture of an online interaction, in which they wrote: ‘My wife and I have just booked your apartment for one week, but of course we will not be visiting. This is just so you can receive some money.’
The idea quickly attracted attention online and Airbnb said it was ‘waiving all guest and Host fees on all bookings in Ukraine at this time.’
Ukrainians benefitting from the idea expressed their thanks but others suggested the idea was ‘misguided’, since those who own extra property are unlikely to be most in need.
For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live
Meanwhile, Airbnb said on Monday that it would offer free short-term stays for up to 100,000 people fleeing Russia’s invasion.
The San Francisco-based company said in a statement that it had ‘sent letters to leaders across Europe, starting with the leaders of Poland, Germany, Hungary and Romania, offering support in welcoming refugees within their borders.
‘While Airbnb.org [the company’s non-profit organisation] is committing to facilitate short-term housing for up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine, it will work closely with governments to best support the specific needs in each country, including by providing longer-term stays.’
HOW TO HELP – just booked a Kiev AirBnb for 1 week, simply as a means of getting money directly into the hands of Kiev residents. It’s really cheap and can make a small difference right now. Please share this idea #Ukraine #Russia #StopWarInUkraine #StopPutinNOW #UkraineRussiaWar pic.twitter.com/7yQDLYRkph
Just made a booking – great idea. Just got this message back from the host.. pic.twitter.com/bL6W3KS1an
Sorry, this comes from a good place, but itâs misguided. People who own extra property are the most needy. AirBnB is involved in displacing people all over the world, they are not the saviours of the Ukrainian people. How to actually help: https://t.co/BrmS0MtbFJ
The lodgings will be funded by the company, donors to an Airbnb fund for refugees, and hosts, it said.
Since the beginning of the Russian offensive, a million people have now fled Ukraine, the UN said.
Airbnb’s initiative echoes the aid offered last August to Afghans fleeing after the Taliban took over.
Several other companies have also offered support to businesses and consumers in Ukraine, with online crafts retailer Etsy Inc waiving balances of about $4 million owed by sellers in the country.
Verizon Communications Inc has said it would waive calling charges to Ukraine for some customers, while Britain’s Virgin Media O2 has removed charges for data use in Ukraine.
Russia-Ukraine war: Everything you need to know
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has entered its seventh day, with the attacks beginning on February 24.
Since then, Ukraine has suffered widespread damages and loss of life amid Russia’s major bombing campaign.
The majority of attacks have been focused in the capital city of Kyiv, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently based.
Russian President Vladamir Putin is prepared to resume talks with Ukraine in bid to end war, according to a Kremlin spokesperson.
- Russia claims to have seized control of its first major Ukrainian city
- Putin tells Macron ‘worst is yet to come’ and he wants to control all of Ukraine
- Footage appears to confirm world’s biggest plane was destroyed in Kyiv fighting
- Putin left with few allies as world condemns Ukraine ‘atrocities’
- Superyachts belonging to close Putin ally and oligarch seized in Europe
- More than one million people have now fled Ukraine after one week of war
- Ukraine says Chechen hit squad sent to kill Zelensky ‘eliminated’
- Cargo ship ‘sunk by mine’ close to Russian Navy
- Russia attempts to take Europe’s biggest nuclear plant after Ukrainians block it
- WWE terminates Russian broadcasting partnerships in wake of invasion
- Where in London to donate clothes, food and toiletries for Ukraine
- Netflix pauses all future projects and acquisitions of Russia in response to invasion
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