Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin Accelerates Ether Sales Amid Price Slide

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin accelerated ether sales in late February 2026 as ETH prices continued to slide.

Sales Details

Buterin sold 1,869 ETH over two days, worth approximately $3.67 million at the time. The move was part of a broader plan announced in late January to fund ecosystem development and various initiatives. Ethereum prices slid over 5% during the broader February selloff period, alongside Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies.

Ecosystem Funding

Buterin has historically used proceeds from ETH sales to support research, grants, and development in the Ethereum ecosystem. The late-January announcement framed the sales as a structured way to fund ongoing work rather than a market-timing decision.

Market Impact

Large sales by a prominent founder can attract attention, but the amounts remain small relative to daily ETH volume. The primary driver of ETH's February weakness was the broader risk-off move across crypto and tech, with macro and Fed expectations weighing on sentiment.