Vitalik Buterin Sells 1,716 ETH in a Day, Renewing Market Debate

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has once again ignited controversy in the crypto community by selling 1,716 ETH in a single day, as reported on February 23, 2026. Valued at approximately $4.5 million at current prices, the transaction was tracked via on-chain data from his known wallet addresses, prompting renewed debates about insider selling and market influence.
Buterin, who has historically donated proceeds to charities like the Effective Altruism movement, defended the move on social media, stating it was part of routine portfolio rebalancing and funding for Ethereum development projects. "These sales support open-source initiatives and do not reflect a lack of faith in ETH," he posted. Indeed, Buterin still holds a substantial amount of ETH, estimated in the millions.
Critics, however, argue that such sales from high-profile figures can exacerbate market volatility, especially during periods of fear. Ethereum's price dipped 3% following the news, though it quickly recovered. This isn't Buterin's first large sale; similar moves in 2021 and 2024 drew scrutiny, with some accusing him of timing the market.
Proponents counter that transparency in blockchain allows for accountability, and Buterin's contributions to Ethereum's upgrades—like the Dencun hard fork—outweigh any short-term price impacts. The incident reignites discussions on ethics in crypto leadership, with calls for clearer guidelines on founder holdings. As ETH trades around $2,600, the community watches for further moves that could sway sentiment.#GateSquare$50KRedPacketGiveaway #TrumpAnnouncesNewTariffs #WhenisBestTimetoEntertheMarket