At the end of January, the Riga local government received requests for support for the energy sector from the Kyiv Regional State Administration, the Ukrainian Embassy in Latvia, and the Committee of the Regions of Europe. The funds for this donation will come from increased real estate tax rates imposed on sanctioned individuals. This support is crucial for Ukraine's energy sector, which has faced power outages and damages due to Russian attacks, particularly severe during winter conditions.

Riga's Executive Director, Jānis Lange, emphasized the desperate situation in Ukraine regarding the destruction and attacks on their energy supply system. Multiple humanitarian requests have been made for assistance, including generators, cogeneration units, energy storage systems, and similar technical equipment. The donation aims to address these pressing needs as the city responds to the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict.

However, the decision was not unanimous among the council members; five councilors opposed the assistance, highlighting a divide in the local political landscape regarding foreign aid initiatives. This situation illustrates the complexities of local governance when addressing international crises, balancing local funding priorities with global humanitarian responsibilities.