Ukrainians have received almost $2 million from Airbnb guests who never showed up

Sign on the outskirts of Kyiv that reads "Russian soldier go f--k yourself"
(Image credit: GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images)

On Wednesday and Thursday, Ukrainian Airbnb hosts have grossed nearly $2 million from 61,000 bookings for guests who never intended to show up.

According to NPR, "people abroad are booking stays and letting hosts know that it's a gesture of solidarity" to help financially support Ukrainians as the country suffers under a Russian invasion.

"More than 10 bookings came in today. This was surprising, it's very supportive at the moment," Volodymyr Bondarenko, who rents out a one-bedroom apartment in Kyiv through Airbnb, told CNN Friday. "I told many of my relatives and friends that I plan to use this money to help our people who need it at this time."

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According to NPR, Airbnb has also offered free temporary housing to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees and has suspended all operations in Russia and Belarus.

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European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson said Sunday that Europe "should be prepared for millions" of Ukrainian refugees.

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