Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin asserted on January 4, 2026, that the network has finally solved the “blockchain trilemma.”
Invented by Vitalik himself in 2017, the concept is a Only two of the three basic properties can be optimized: Security, scalability, decentralization, always one of them is sacrificed.
According to Buterin, PearDAS In the main network (main net), after recent updates faceadded to the progress. ZK-EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine Zero-Knowledge Proof) represents a paradigm shift.
For developers, Ethereum is moving from a “replicated” network (where each node does all the work) to an efficient “decentralized” network.
Buterin, the end of technological sacrifice
Historically, networks like Bitcoin have prioritized security and decentralization at the expense of low bandwidth (scalability). On the other hand, networks that offer high speeds are usually fast. Centralize control to a few powerful nodes.
Buterin explains that with the advent of PeerDAS (Data Availability Sampling), nodes no longer need to download and validate entire blocks. By checking only random fractions, Significant increase in network bandwidth Maintain decentralization without requiring expensive hardware from users.
ZK-EVM is in alpha stage and is expected to start operating on parts of the network in 2026, providing the final part. Security with cutting-edge encryption. These tools allow you to verify transactions using “zero-knowledge” mathematical proofs, ensuring correctness without compromising network integrity.
Roadmap towards 2030
Vitalik predicts the next four years will be critical in solidifying this vision.
- 2026: ZK-EVM nodes start running and gas limits (processing capacity) increase significantly.
- 2027 to 2030: ZK-EVM is fully integrated as the primary method for validating blocks, allowing for low fees even when used in high volumes.
The issue of concern: centralizing staking
Despite Buterin’s optimism about the technical solution to the trilemma, Community continues to point out social and operational layer risks. Since the arrival of proof of stake (PoS), service growth liquid staking, The dominance of staking on exchanges such as Lido, as well as exchanges such as Coinbase and Binance, has raised concerns.
The tools mentioned by Vitalik solve the following problems: technical abilityEthereum still has to face concentration of verification powers. In this regard, Buterin said in his book that the “holy grail” will be the decentralized construction of blocks so that no single entity has the power to decide which transactions are included in the network.
