I'm curious the actual mechanics of this operation. The main primary-source I found is a Telegram post of an Aeroflot pilot memo [0], but this only discusses the side-effects of reverser only braking, not the mechanics of "disabling the brakes."
There is a possibility the brakes are still available and not worn through, and this is a preemptive measure to leave enough brake material to handle an emergency rejected takeoff while avoiding "unnecessary" braking on landing by using the reversers instead. It's still ridiculously dangerous and bad, of course, but a different situation from "they're running the aircraft with no brakes."
[0]: https://t.me/aviatorshina/3679?comment=166821