'I'm crying': Ukrainians moved to tears over heartwarming Airbnb act

A global movement to help residents of Ukraine has seen people turning to Airbnb – but not for a holiday.

Many have started making bookings through Airbnb for rooms and places in Ukraine, however they have no intention of going there.

Instead, people are doing this to help give a little bit of extra money to people in Ukraine.

In a screenshot from an Instagram story, one woman said she had booked an Airbnb in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital and confirmed the place was managed by a person, not a company.

The woman told the host she was not planning on going to Kyiv, but she hoped the cost of the room would give the host a little bit of money to help out.

She added that she wanted to get money directly to people quickly and the cost of a place was less than a trip to a supermarket.

• Injured Ukrainian siblings unaware sister, parents killed by Russians

• 'This could go nuclear': Bleak Ukraine prediction as Putin 'goes for broke'

• British man's epic journey across Ukraine to protect his family

The host was apparently very grateful and the woman advised people to book the "soonest available dates" so the hosts get paid faster.

On Twitter, several people said they were talking about doing this.

A quick search for Airbnbs in Kyiv brings up several places which cost less than $100 a night and Airbnb confirmed on Twitter all fees for guests and hosts in Ukraine will be waived.

Popular Instagram page @quinton.quarantino shared a screenshot of an interaction one person had with an Airbnb host after they booked a room in Ukraine.

"God! How many good people. I was so afraid that I was without work and money. It's something you people are doing a great good [sic]," the host said.

"Thank you very much!!! I'm crying!!!"

On Facebook, a woman said she had also booked a place on Airbnb with no intention of going to Ukraine.

"Saw this somewhere so I decided to do it. [Because], like many, I feel helpless," she wrote, booking a week-long stay in Kyiv.

A short time later, she received a touching response from the host.

"I believe that in this difficult time for Ukraine, you do not stand aside, you are next to Ukraine, next to the independence of Ukraine and the security of the whole world," the host said.

The host said her "mission" was to make guests feel comfortable when they stay with her, so they can experience life in Kyiv and Ukraine to "fall in love" with the country.

"Now, when Russia is destroying our country, when Russia is bombing civilians, we cannot stand aside as well," the host continued.

"From the first bomb in Ukraine at Feb 24 at 5am our mission is to help all those who need help in this difficult time - the elderly, women, children who stayed in Kyiv and need food, medicines, warm clothes, etc."

The host said a group of like-minded people are volunteering in Ukraine to deliver essentials to people in need and the money she made through Airbnb would be used for that.

"Your contribution, your help is helping the whole world to stop the aggressor Putin," she said to the woman who booked the Airbnb.

"Let's do it together!!!!"

Another Twitter user also mentioned you could do this on Etsy, an American-based e-commerce site, where people around the world sell goods.

"Another idea is go to Etsy, filter location go Ukraine and purchase a hand made item," they said.

"Tell them in the comments you don't expect to receive it. Etsy is waiving all fees for them."

Etsy announced it would cancel all balances owned by sellers in Ukraine, "to alleviate some of the burden".

"This will extend to Ukraine-based sellers in all of our marketplaces, including Etsy.com, Depop, and Reverb," Etsy said.

"This represents a contribution of approximately $4 million towards our community."

However, some suggested just raising money to go to verified aid organisation instead.

Airbnb to support Ukrainian refugees

Following Russia's invasion, thousands of Ukrainians have fled their home, seeking safety.

Amid the crisis, Airbnb announced it would fund short-term housing for up to 100,000 people fleeing Ukraine.

"We support our refugee guests regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, or how they identify," Airbnb said.

"You can help by offering temporary stays for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org, or donating to fund stays."

Airbnb said the stays will be funded by the company, donors to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund and the hosts through Airbnb.org.

Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and Airbnb.org Chairman Joe Gebbia, and Airbnb Chief Strategy Officer and co-founder Nathan Blecharczyk reached out to leaders in Europe to tell them about the plan to house refugees.

Airbnb mentioned leaders in Poland, Germany and Romania had been contacted and offered support with welcoming refugees.

The company said it will work closely with governments to support specific needs in each country, including providing long-term stays.

On Thursday, Mr Chesky announced Airbnb would be suspending all operations in Russia and Belarus.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.