The industry does not need new L1 blockchains or networks that replicate EVM. According to Ethereum’s founder Vitalik Buterin, this approach has “led developers into a dead end, stifling imagination.”
He noted that the first layer of the ecosystem is scaling successfully, making the creation of another network with an “optimistic” bridge and a week-long withdrawal delay pointless.
Instead of cloning infrastructure, the programmer urged the development of fundamentally new solutions. Among the priority areas, Buterin highlighted:
- privacy;
- optimization for specific applications;
- ultra-low transaction latency.
Separately, the Ethereum founder mentioned “institutional L2.” This refers to state registries, social networks, or games using cryptographic proofs. Even if such systems remain centralized, they provide algorithmic transparency, which is critically important for trust.
Buterin also criticized projects that mimic a connection to Ethereum for the sake of a “green checkmark” on analytical platforms. Positioning should match technical reality.
Ether Sale
Over three days, Buterin sold about 2,961 ETH for a total of $6.6 million.
According to Lookonchain, the average execution price of the transactions was $2,228.
vitalik.eth(@VitalikButerin) is dumping $ETH fast!
Over the past 3 days, Vitalik has sold 2,961.5 $ETH($6.6M) at an average price of $2,228 — and the selling is still ongoing.https://t.co/Q9G1lEsdiP pic.twitter.com/C1vBn5UimJ
— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) February 5, 2026
According to Arkham, the transactions were conducted through CoW Protocol. Buterin opted not to make a single large transaction, instead dividing the volume into numerous small swaps.
Back in February, Buterin stated that the original concept of second-layer solutions had lost its relevance.
L2 developers responded to this statement, agreeing on the need for evolution, but differing in opinions regarding the role of scaling.