Ethereum news: Vitalik Buterin sold 17,000 ETH this month as ether fell 37%

CoinDesk

by Shaurya Malwa

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin sold approximately 17,000 ETH in February, a move that coincided with a significant drop in ether's value. The sale, worth around $43 million at the time of allocation in January, was executed through the CoW Protocol, a decentralized exchange aggregator, in small batches to minimize market impact. This gradual selling strategy contrasts with larger single transactions and has resulted in a steady decline in Buterin's wallet balance from 241,000 ETH to 224,000 ETH over the month. The timing of the sales is particularly notable given that ether's price has fallen by more than 37% in the past month, dropping to around $1,900. This decline has added pressure to an already struggling market narrative for Ethereum. While Buterin had announced his allocation in January to fund privacy projects and other initiatives, the ongoing sales have drawn attention as ether continues to struggle with its price trajectory. The use of CoW Protocol allowed Buterin to execute the transactions in smaller increments, reducing slippage but also creating a prolonged period of selling that has contributed to market volatility. This approach highlights the challenges large holders face when trying to sell significant amounts of ETH without causing immediate price drops. The broader implications for corporate Ethereum holders are evident, with many facing substantial unrealized losses as ether's value has declined. Buterin's actions reflect a broader trend among institutional and high-net-worth investors in crypto, who are navigating the complexities of market fluctuations and shifting narratives

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Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/25/2026