The Russia-Ukraine war has brought about a dynamic shift in the study of the notions of peace and war in the international relations (IR) discipline. The varied responses of democratic nations to the war, particularly in the context of supporting Ukraine going against Russia, highlight to what degree upholding democratic solidarity requires ignoring national interests. Using the Russia-Ukraine war as the core focus of the study, this chapter examines the intricate priorities between upholding democratic values and national interests. The study investigates why democracies put their national interests above democratic values. By examining an extensive literature review, expert interviews, and comparative discussions focusing on India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Canada, and Sweden (selecting on a regional basis), it also investigates why democracies (and their leaders) sometimes overlook democratic values in times of war. The findings of the study show that in many cases democratic nations tend to prioritize national interests over their leaning to support democratic values during international conflicts propelled by economic, strategic alliance, and geopolitical factors. The study also looks at both domestic political dynamics and the role of public opinion, media discourses, interest groups, and geopolitical considerations in shaping foreign policy decisions. Overall, the study navigates the paradox of democratic peace vis-à-vis national interest in times of war.