The Euromaidan also started with normal civilians. It seems they just didn't accept no for an answer. Later they indeed threatened to involve the reserve army since they were on their side. But the army was not required.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolution_of_Dignity

>> Now it's up to the Russian people to make theirs.

> There's nothing we can realistically do.

Then you get to collectively carry the responsibility for that "inability"; for, by not rising up as one against the dictatorship, passively allowing it to continue. That's what was seen as appropriate for the nation you fought in your Great Patriotic War, so why shouldn't it be appropriate for yours?

Many awful dictators have been toppled by civilian revolts. Waiting for the military to get involved is not at all required.

When enough citizens revolt there will be a point where police forces realize that they are on the wrong side, either for moral or self preservation reasons. Once they start refusing to defend the dictator, that dictator's power is done.