Airbnb is suspending its operations in Russia and Belarus

Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, announced on his verified account that the company is suspending operations in Russia and Belarus. There are over 180,000 active short-term rentals across different platforms in Russia.

Airbnb is suspending all operations in Russia and Belarus

— Brian Chesky 🇺🇦 (@bchesky) March 4, 2022

Chesky brought the situation up yesterday, saying all things are on the table due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing to European nations including Poland, Germany, Hungary and Romania will be given free housing through the help of Airbnb.

Users of the platform have taken things into their own hands. Members of the public purchased rentals on the platform in order to raise money for people in dire economic straits. One user wrote to another user that they wanted to receive some money. Host and guest fees will be free on all bookings made on the platform.

According to the UN, over a million refugees have fled the country since Russia invaded.