This is only news now because Russia is the current bogeyman, and the claims of Russia doing it fit the propaganda.
If I were Ukraine, I'd cut such cables to encourage my Western sponsors into more action, but that narrative is a bitter pill to swallow for the Western taxpayer's funding conflict.
Still, in 50 years, we may well be reading about exactly that.
I'm open to the argument, but then someone would need to show some numbers, some trends, reasons and that the current cable breaking is just the same as in the last 20 years.
Just the same numbers "with an average of 150 to 200 faults occurring globally each year" thrown around again - again with no source.
I would wish for
Year Number Fishing Anchor Earthquake ...
2022 128 15 2 5
2021 133 22 8 2
etc.
And that Russia has a long history of doing these types of sabotage (including assassinations!).
And that these boats have incriminating circumstances.
Nope, there is no conclusive evidence to support your claims.
It's just as likely to be NATO ships doing the damage as it is <insert NATO adversary>.
https://www2.telegeography.com/submarine-cable-faqs-frequent...
https://www.submarinenetworks.com/en/nv/insights/itu-launche...
Damage is normal, sure, but multiple ships dragging anchors for many miles is not. I'm not sure what you're trying to argue.
[Citation Needed]
Given the increase in cables plus the increase in shipping, it is no surprise to find an increase in cable damage.