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Blacklane supports Kyiv drivers as it suspends services in Russia and Ukraine Mark Bursa Blacklane has cancelled all bookings in Ukraine and Russia and suspended operations in both countries following Russia’s hostile invasion of its neighbour, CEO Dr Jens Wohltorf has announced. The company has also pledged to help Ukrainian contractors working for the global chauffeur broker. “To ease the hardships of our Kyiv chauffeurs, we will pay them the same amount they received in January for both February and March,” Wohltorf said. “We will advance those funds this week rather than wait for the typical payment cycles.” He continued: “We have reached out to all our crew members from or in Ukraine and offered all possible support. Also, we are in the process of notifying our chauffeur partners, bookers, and guests. The safety of all of you is our top priority. I am shocked about the dramatic developments and want to share my sympathy with everyone affected. The entire Blacklane Crew stands with you.” Blacklane has suspended services in Moscow,
St Petersburg and Sochi because it cannot support the current situation, Wohltorf said. “This might affect innocent parties, but we must condemn the
invasion with our words and actions,” he added. “Our thoughts are with those suffering. May you all stay safe and may this nightmare end soon.”
Bolt exits Belarus and pledges €5m fare levy to support Ukraine Mark Bursa Ride-hailing operator Bolt has pledged to donate at least €5 million to support Ukraine by donating 5% of every fare collected in the next two weeks. The operator is also pulling out of Belarus and removing any Russian products from its Bolt and Bolt Market operations. Bolt is based in Estonia, the Baltic state that could be in the firing line for further Russian aggression. Bolt founder Markus Villig said: “The people of Eastern Europe know the value of freedom all too well. We cannot settle for empty social media posts, but need real actions.” “To support the Ukrainian people we have three announcements: We’re donating 5% of every Bolt order in Europe over the next two weeks to support Ukraine. This will amount to over €5m and we’re transferring the first €1m today. “We will remove all products produced in Russia or associated with Russian companies from Bolt Market. And we will close down all operations in Belarus due to their enablement of the Russian invasion.” He continued: “This war was started by an oppressive regime, not the millions of people in Russia and Belarus also suffering from
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it. Encourage them to speak up against this mindless war. We stand against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We stand with our 112 employees in Ukraine. We stand against darkness.” Villig spoke about how his experiences
growing up in Estonia have shaped his decisions. “Coming from Estonia we know the value of freedom all too well. Our parents and grandparents were waiting for the occupation to end for 48 long years. Europe cannot make the same mistake again,” he said.
MARCH 2022
