In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky discussed cryptocurrency and his company’s efforts in helping Ukrainian refugees. Airbnb has approximately 6 million active listings worldwide, with over 4 million hosts. There are active Airbnb listings in over 100,000 cities and towns.
Airbnb offered to house up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. According to the European Union, approximately four million people may attempt to flee Ukraine due to the Russian invasion.
Chesky was asked if Airbnb supports cryptocurrency, as some people in Ukraine are trying to accept cryptocurrency payments after Russia’s invasion. He responded, saying:
“I am personally supportive of the idea of crypto, of course. I think it’s a really interesting technology. “
Brian Chesky firmly stated that “Right now, we’re really focused on providing housing for refugees.” That’s what I’ve assembled a team to do.”
Airbnb announced on Monday that it would provide free temporary housing to up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. According to the UN, over 600,000 civilians have fled Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
Additionally, the CEO said, “We reached out to governments in Poland, Germany, Hungary, Romania, and even countries west of them to offer assistance,”
“We’ve been in contact with our hosts, We’ve secured funding, and we’re ready to house up to 100,000 refugees,” he said. “To be honest, we can house as many refugees as we have hosts.”
