Airbnb movement pours money directly into pockets of Ukrainians fighting Russian invasion

Good Samaritans have adopted an unorthodox method to get money directly into the pockets of people in war-torn Ukraine.

People wait in Kyiv to board an evacuation train to western regions. Picture: Pierre Crom/Getty Images

As the world continues to watch in horror at events unfolding in Ukraine, an army of people have come up with a genius way to support victims from afar.

Desperate to help but uncertain how to do so efficiently, good Samaritans from across the globe have been pouring money into Ukrainians’ pockets via Airbnb.

People have been booking homes they have no intention of staying in to offer direct, immediate financial support to people affected by the Russian invasion.

The unorthodox donation method emerged on Twitter this week and support for it appears to be growing daily.

Screenshots of conversations with Ukrainian Airbnb hosts have flooded the internet, with affected families expressing deep gratitude for the kind gesture.

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Ukrainians received basic military training earlier this week. Picture: Alexey Furman/Getty Images

Mario Di Maggio tweeted the idea on Thursday, writing: “just booked a Kyiv Airbnb for one week, simply as a means of getting money directly into the hands of Kyiv residents. It’s really cheap and can make a small difference right now. Please share this idea”.

Hundreds, if not thousands, were quick to follow suit.

Mr Di Maggio shared his exchange with the host, telling them he and his wife of course would not be visiting, but wanted them to receive some money.

Desperate sandbagging to protect a building in Ukraine. Picture: Alexey Furman/Getty Images

“Hello Mario. Thank you very much. May God keep you,” the host, Maria, responded.

Another man booked an apartment in Kyiv for a week, telling the host he wanted to help “someone, somewhere”.

“Thank you very much. This is what our family needs right now. Thank you,” the host, Antoh, replied.

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#UkraineRussiaWarpic.twitter.com/7yQDLYRkph

— DiMaggio.eth (@DimaggioEth) March 3, 2022

Other hosts were moved to tears after receiving a booking from well-meaning strangers.

“Hello, you can’t even imagine how pleased we are to hear that we are not alone. Tears in my eyes. I am very grateful to you for your support in this difficult time for us and all of Ukraine. Thank you very much,” one host wrote.

Another host said he would use the money to support people who have lost homes and provide free accommodation.

People wait in Kyiv to board an evacuation train to western regions. Picture: Pierre Crom/Getty Images

“Your help and your letter moved me to tears. I re-read your letter several times and weep with happiness. It has everything that is very important now: love, support, and additional strength. I am incredibly happy to meet new friends. I invite you to our free country after the war,” another heartwarming response read.

While the idea has gained huge traction, a UK travel expert has warned people against being too flippant with paying for accommodation in Ukraine.

Ukrainians jumped a fence to board an evacuation train. Picture: Pierre Crom/Getty Images

“Lots of talk about booking random Airbnbs in Ukraine and paying for them with no intention of staying, to transfer cash to the country. Warning: were I a Russian scammer, I would be setting up fake Airbnbs in Kyiv and Odessa as fast as I could to cash in on those noble intentions,” he tweeted.

Others raised concern that Airbnb charged hosts for using its service, but the official account for the house-share site confirmed that all fees were being waived for guests and hosts in Ukraine.

Local residents queued to get into a supermarket in Kyiv. Picture: Pierre Crom/Getty Images

Airbnb also announced this week it would be offering 100,000 Ukrainian refugees free housing through its service, launching a page for people to sign up as a host or donate.

Uber is another company giving on-the-ground support to Ukrainians, offering free rides between Poland and Ukraine for refugees and their families fleeing the war.