The headquarters of DiDi in Beijing Photo:VCG

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Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Global said on Saturday that it would continue to operate in Russia, reversing an earlier reported move to leave the Russian market in March, which drew some attention amid Russia-Ukraine tensions. 

Didi's local business in Russia will not be closed and it will continue to operate, and serve drivers and passengers well in the future, read a statement it released on China's Twitter-like platform Sina Weibo on Saturday.

The statement did not elaborate and did not mention Didi's decision on its operations in Kazakhstan. 

Previously, Didi reportedly said it was leaving Russia and Kazakhstan on March 4.

"After a year and a half from DiDi's start in Russia and almost a year from the launch in Kazakhstan, we regrettably announce the intention to terminate work on these important markets on March 4, 2022," TASS news agency reported on February 21, citing the PR director of the company in Russia. 

"We have always seen our goal in making everyday life simpler and more convenient, offering high-quality yet affordable technology services to urban residents and the best-in-class opportunities for the earnings of drivers and partners," said the person.

The reported withdrawal from Russia sparked some attention on Chinese social media as it came amid rising tension between Russia and Ukraine. 

Didi did not reply to a Global Times interview request as of press time.