Airbnb has announced that it will provide free temporary housing for up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.
In a statement on Monday, the home rental platform committed to helping those fleeing the country during Russia's invasion.
The New York Post reports that over 500,000 refugees have left Ukraine over the past week after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a military operation in the region.
As well as encircling the capital Kyiv, the Russian military has been shelling residential areas, resulting in multiple reports of civilian casualties and injuries.
Airbnb.org - the nonprofit arm of the home rental company - was set up to provide emergency housing relief during international crises, and has reportedly housed 54,000 refugees over the last five years, many of whom were fleeing conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria, and Venezuela.
In a blog post, they announced that they would now be extending shelter to Ukrainian refugees.
"Airbnb and Airbnb.org are announcing that Airbnb.org will offer free, short-term housing to up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine," the post read, adding that stays would be funded by "Airbnb, Inc., donors to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund, and the generosity of Hosts."
The post went on to say that CEO Brian Chesky and other company bosses 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."
According to a tweet from UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, many of the Ukrainian refugees have travlef to neighboring countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Moldova.
Airbnb went on to say that they would be providing short-term accommodation for the time being, with a view to helping refugees with longer-term shelter.
"While Airbnb.org 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," their statement read.
Meanwhile, Chesky reached out to Airbnb hosts on Twitter, saying: "The greatest need we have is for more people who can offer their homes in nearby countries, including Poland, Germany, Hungary and Romania. If you can host a refugee, go here."
