"As long as he controls the military protests can only do so much. "

Most succesful revolutions happened, when the military joined the protests. The military is made up of common people after all.

And it is hard to see through the fog of war from the distance - but my impression is, that the russian army fights very hesistant and with low morale and badly organized. And they are not welcomed as liberators. No matter the propaganda, they will come home one day and share their stories.

I wish you all the best, that you can return one day and manage till then.