Airbnb simplifies its relationship with Russia

Like the rest of us, Airbnb is trying to simplify its relationship with Russia.

The home-rental platform closed its Russian subsidiary and will instead run its Russian business out of Berlin.

Airbnb first got out of Moscow in 2015, but is back in the Russian news now as some of the final touches on that decision are worked out.

According to a report this week in the Russian paper Kommersant translated by East-West Digital News, Airbnb first left Russia in the wake of data reporting requirements imposed by Russian tax authorities. Russia reportedly wanted the company to provide user data.

Airbnb opened a subsidiary in China in November that similarly ran the company's local business as separate from the rest of its global operations. When it closed its Russian office, Airbnb also consolidated its Copenhagen office with its U.K. business.

"Airbnb has not had an office in Moscow since 2015. We remain committed to the Russian market and have a team dedicated to driving our business forward in the region," Airbnb spokesman Peter Huntingford said. "As a fast moving business with over 3 million listings in more than 191 countries, we regularly review the location of our offices to best reflect the changing needs of our business."

What a great time to book an Airbnb in Moscow!