Uber, Airbnb, Etsy Are Aiding Ukrainians Under Siege. Here’s How You Can Help – CNET [CNET]

Gig economy sites are canceling fees, offering free stays and more during the Russian invasion.

This story is part of War in Ukraine, CNET’s coverage of events there and of the wider effects on the world.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, a growing number of companies have devised creative ways to help the people of Ukraine, beyond straightforward monetary donations. And their customers have been responding in kind.

To help those fleeing the violence, Tesla is letting owners of any model electric vehicle use its Supercharger stations near the Ukraine borders in Hungary and Poland. Founder Elon Musk has also activated Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, to ensure Ukrainians have reliable internet access.

Here are some of the companies offering services to Ukrainians in need, and some ways you can pitch in.

Airbnb opens up ‘virtual’ bookings

On their own, some Airbnb users are booking rentals in Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine — not to visit but to quickly provide locals with much needed financial assistance. 

Another Twitter user wrote that he shared the idea of virtual booking in Ukraine and “24 hours later, 100s of people are booking AirBnBs in Ukraine as a way to send immediate monetary assistance to people in hard-hit areas.” 

According to the Airbnb site, there are more than 300 host properties across Ukraine — most in Kyiv, with some in Lviv and Odesa. Almost all are renting for less than $50 (US) a night.

Though the program isn’t being run by Airbnb, the company is waiving all guest and host fees in Ukraine.

“We are so humbled by the inspiring generosity of our community during this moment of crisis,” an Airbnb spokesperson told CNET.

Travel expert Simon Calder did caution that the well-intentioned campaign could attract con artists.

“Were I a Russian scammer, I would be setting up fake Airbnbs in Kiev and Odessa as fast as I could to cash in on those noble intentions,” Calder tweeted.

Separately, if you have a spare room or residence, you can offer a bed and basic amenities to Ukrainian refugees for a few days to a few weeks, for free or at a discounted rate.  

Uber offers free rides

In the US, people can use the Uber app to give the International Rescue Committee direct donations, which Uber says it’ll match up to $1 million. 

Though it temporarily paused services throughout Ukraine when the invasion began, Uber says it’s assessing ride-sharing on a city-by-city basis, and offering advance payments to drivers in the war-torn country. 

In a release, Uber said it was also working to enable Ukrainian refugees to become Uber drivers “in neighboring countries where we operate.”

Etsy cancels fees

The online craft market doesn’t have rides to offer or places for people to stay, but it’s eliminating fees for Ukraine-based sellers.

Some Etsy sellers are donating a portion of proceeds from Ukraine-themed products to nonprofits like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.