Airbnb is suspending all operations in Russia and Belarus, CEO Brian Chesky says

Home rental company Airbnb Inc is suspending all operations in Russia and Belarus, chief executive officer Brian Chesky said in a tweet on Thursday.


Earlier this week, Airbnb said it is offering free short-term housing for up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of their country.


“Airbnb and Airbnb.org are working with our Hosts to house up to 100,000 refugees fleeing from Ukraine, for free," Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky had posted on Twitter. The company will also work with neighbouring European states to provide long-term stays.


Ukraine has more than 17,000 short-term rentals, according to a Bloomberg report, which cited market research firm AirDNA.

Last year, Airbnb had helped to resettle refugees following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, providing housing to more than 21,000 people. The company operates in more than 220 countries and regions.