This lecture starts from the premise that democracy plays a critical role in Russia‘s war against Ukraine. The juxtaposition between Russia’s authoritarian system and democratization in Ukraine is the central axis in this war - with the Russian political system centred on self-preservation. In Ukraine, democratization has been closely linked to repeated cycles of mass protest demanding accountability and the rule of law. This political choice from below fostered a civic identity that, in turn, became a source of resilience during Russia‘s full-scale invasion. Internationally, the war has highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of democracy.