Airbnb Will Shelter 100,000 Ukrainian Refugees Across Europe For Free

Ukrainians leaving their nation as a result of Russian attacks will be granted free short-term lodging via Airbnb. The platform aims to aid refugees in Europe.

Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, has reached out to officials in Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Romania, offering the company’s assistance to Ukrainians living within their borders.

As people try to flee Ukraine, there have been crowds and increased traffic at border crossings. Since the violence began, more than five million people have crossed the border, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR.

The majority of these have escaped to Poland. On Friday 25th Feb, Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said the country’s border was open “for all Ukrainians, even those without a valid ID document.”

There has been no indication on how long the free short-term stays would last, but the firm said that it will engage with the countries to ensure longer-term efforts. Airbnb will cover the costs of these stays from the company’s refugee fund and from hosts willing to provide discounted or free lodging.

Airbnb.org, the non-profit arm of the lodging reservations platform, is behind the initiative, which was created to help give temporary homes during times of crisis.