Home-sharing platform ‘Airbnb’ has joined a litany of international companies to quit Russia in the wake of Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine and the attendant sanctions by the U.S. and EU.

In a tweet on Friday, the company’s chief executive Brian Chesky said operations will be suspended in Russia and Belarus.

“Airbnb is suspending all operations in Russia and Belarus,” said the tweet from Mr Chesky.

The CEO further announced via twitter that the San Francisco-based home-rental giant was going to offer free temporary housing for up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine.

“The company will fund these stays with help from Airbnb hosts and donations to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund. 

“We need help to meet this goal,” Mr Chesky said. 

“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: http://airbnb.org/get-involved.

“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.

“That will include providing longer-term stays,” the company said in a statement.

Airbnb joins other Western companies such as Volkswagen, Accenture (ACN), Spotify (SPOT) and Apple (AAPL) that had suspended operations in Russia following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. 

(NAN)