Vitalik Buterin Responds to Critics with Plan to Transform Ethereum

Ethereum is once again at a crossroads, facing mounting concerns about whether its core network can keep up with growing demand.

As more users migrate to faster Layer-2 solutions like Arbitrum and Optimism, critics — including Cardano’s Charles Hoskinson — have openly questioned Ethereum’s long-term survival.

Hoskinson recently argued that Ethereum could lose relevance within 10 to 15 years, predicting that Layer-2 platforms would eventually siphon off its value while Bitcoin continues to dominate.

But Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin isn’t standing still. In a move that surprised many, Buterin unveiled a proposal for a major upgrade called “Layer-Zero.” This plan would overhaul Ethereum’s foundation by transitioning from the traditional Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to a new zkVM architecture, built on the RISC-V standard.

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If implemented, the upgrade could slash computational load by up to 832 times, cut transaction proving cycles by nearly 96%, boost throughput thirtyfold with GPU acceleration, and drastically compress blockchain data. The goal: make Ethereum lighter, faster, and far more efficient — tackling the very issues critics have pointed to.

Beyond technical improvements, the proposal signals a larger strategic shift. By strengthening the base layer, Ethereum could reduce its reliance on external scaling solutions, keeping more value and user activity within its own network.

Though still in the early stages, the Layer-Zero proposal highlights Ethereum’s determination to evolve rather than be eclipsed. Far from retreating, Buterin’s vision suggests Ethereum is preparing to solidify its leadership for the next era of blockchain innovation.

Deyan Angelov

Active crypto trader who also follows news related to stocks, the S&P 500, and gold. Deyan enjoys staying physically active, trains regularly, and practices calisthenics. He also likes reading sci-fi books when he has the time.