- Vitalik Buterin is urging Ethereum rollups to prioritize robust, thoroughly tested proof systems, not just focus on decentralization milestones.
- Only three rollups have reached the highest decentralization standard (Stage 2) as of May 2025, while several others remain at Stage 1.
- Buterin’s comments highlight that even decentralized rollups may face risks if their proof systems are not resilient.
- Options market data suggests Ethereum could reach $2,200 by June, with increased bullish bets on $1,800 and $2,200 strike prices.
- Technical indicators show improved buying pressure, but large investors (whales) have yet to fully commit to a new rally.
- The ETH/BTC ratio is expected to rebound, potentially fueling further gains for Ethereum.
Rethinking Security: Buterin’s Call for Stronger Proof Systems
Ethereum’s evolution in 2025 has been marked by both technological innovation and a renewed focus on security. Vitalik Buterin, the chain’s co-founder, has been especially vocal about the need for resilience at every layer of the ecosystem. His latest message to the community is clear: while achieving higher levels of decentralization is important, the integrity of the underlying proof systems that secure rollups is equally critical.
Rollups, which are scaling solutions built on top of Ethereum, are often evaluated by their “stage” of decentralization, ranging from Stage 0 (least decentralized) to Stage 2 (most decentralized). Buterin cautions that this framework, while useful, is incomplete. He emphasizes that the strength and reliability of a rollup’s proof system—the mechanism that validates off-chain transactions—can make or break its security, regardless of its decentralization status.
The State of Rollups: Decentralization vs. Security
As of May 2025, only a handful of rollups have achieved the coveted Stage 2 status, signaling a high degree of decentralization and security. According to the latest data, just three rollups have reached this milestone, while others like Base, Unichain, and Arbitrum remain at Stage 1. These Stage 1 rollups are considered fairly decentralized, but under Buterin’s new lens, they may still harbor vulnerabilities if their proof systems have not been rigorously tested in real-world conditions.
This nuanced perspective is reshaping how the Ethereum community assesses risk. It’s no longer enough for a rollup to simply check the boxes for decentralization; it must also demonstrate that its proof system can withstand sophisticated attacks and operational stress. As the ecosystem matures, the interplay between decentralization and proof system robustness will likely become a central theme in the ongoing quest for security.
Market Outlook: Bullish Bets and Technical Setups
While the technical underpinnings of Ethereum continue to evolve, the market is also showing signs of renewed optimism. Options market data reveals a surge in bullish bets, with traders targeting $1,800 and $2,200 strike prices for contracts expiring in May and June. This positioning suggests that many expect Ethereum to break through key resistance levels and potentially reach $2,200 in the coming months.
Supporting this outlook, technical analysis shows that the $1,800 level, which served as a major resistance in April, could become a springboard for further gains if flipped into support. The next logical targets would be $2,000 and $2,200, aligning with previous price lows and highs. The daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) has also been trending upward since mid-April, indicating growing buying interest and momentum.
Whale Activity and the ETH/BTC Ratio: Signals to Watch
Despite the positive sentiment among retail traders and options market participants, large investors—often referred to as whales—have yet to fully throw their weight behind the rally. Data from whale tracking indicators shows muted activity, with little evidence of aggressive accumulation. Historically, strong whale participation has been a reliable signal for sustained upward moves, so their absence is notable.
Meanwhile, analysts are watching the ETH/BTC ratio closely. After a period of underperformance, there is growing anticipation of a rebound, which could further fuel Ethereum’s price action. A snap-back in this ratio would not only signal renewed strength for ETH relative to Bitcoin but could also attract additional capital from investors seeking to capitalize on the shift.
Conclusion
Ethereum stands at a crossroads, with both its technology and market dynamics in flux. Vitalik Buterin’s call for more resilient proof systems is prompting a re-evaluation of what true security means for rollups and the broader ecosystem. At the same time, bullish sentiment in the options market and improving technical indicators point to the possibility of a significant price rally in the near term. However, the lack of strong whale participation suggests that the next major move may depend on whether institutional players decide to join the fray. As Ethereum continues to innovate and adapt, the coming months could prove pivotal in shaping its trajectory for the rest of the year.