Vitalik Buterin Says Ethereum Solves Blockchain Trilemma With zkEVMs Core

TLDR

Table of Contents

Vitalik Buterin says PeerDAS is live on Ethereum mainnet after the Fusaka upgrade.
zkEVMs are performance ready but still require added security improvements.
Ethereum plans phased gas limit increases between 2026 and 2030.
zkEVMs may become Ethereum’s primary block validation method by 2030.

Vitalik Buterin says recent upgrades place Ethereum closer to resolving the blockchain trilemma. His comments focus on PeerDAS and zkEVMs. Together, these systems aim to balance decentralization, security, and scalability. The claims arrive as Ethereum continues core upgrades while preparing for higher network demand over the coming years.

Vitalik Buterin frames a shift in Ethereum’s design

Buterin stated that Ethereum now operates as a different type of decentralized network. He pointed to PeerDAS and zkEVMs as core technical changes. According to him, these systems allow Ethereum to reach higher bandwidth while keeping consensus intact.

In a post on X, he said, “Now, Ethereum with PeerDAS and ZK-EVMs, we get decentralized consensus and high bandwidth.” He added that this result is based on running code. He noted that one component already runs on mainnet, while the other is performance ready.

🚨ETHEREUM HAS SOLVED A BLOCKCHAIN TRILEMMA
Vitalik Buterin says Ethereum has finally cracked the blockchain trilemma after a decade of work.
Through zero-knowledge EVMs & PeerDAS, Ethereum can now achieve decentralization, consensus, and high bandwidth all together. pic.twitter.com/k1Cot9Veal
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) January 4, 2026

Buterin also said the trilemma solution is not theoretical. He stressed that data availability sampling is live today. He said zkEVMs have reached production performance. He clarified that further safety work remains.

Ethereum has long aimed to improve throughput without weakening decentralization. Buterin said these upgrades change how the network distributes work. He compared Ethereum’s new model with earlier replicated systems.

PeerDAS expands data handling on Ethereum

PeerDAS became active with the Fusaka upgrade in December. It allows nodes to verify data availability without downloading full datasets. This approach reduces hardware demands for node operators.

The system samples small portions of block data across peers. This enables higher data throughput while keeping verification decentralized. As a result, Ethereum can support more activity without centralizing validation.

Buterin described PeerDAS as one half of the trilemma solution. He said it brings bandwidth gains while preserving network trust. He noted that the system already operates on Ethereum’s mainnet.

Developers see PeerDAS as a foundation for future scaling steps. It supports larger blocks and more complex applications. It also aligns with Ethereum’s long-term rollup strategy.

zkEVMs progress toward wider network use

zkEVMs allow Ethereum blocks to be verified using zero-knowledge proofs. They remain compatible with existing Ethereum smart contracts. This ensures continuity for developers and users.

Buterin said zkEVMs are still in an alpha phase. He explained that performance is ready, but security work continues. He gave a four-year timeline for deeper integration.

He said early zkEVM node usage may begin in 2026. These nodes would validate blocks using proofs instead of full execution. This reduces resource demands for validators.

Over time, zkEVMs may become the main validation method. Buterin said this shift would allow higher gas limits. He added that it would occur alongside other protocol changes.

Ethereum roadmap outlines phased deployment

Buterin outlined several stages for Ethereum’s next upgrades. In 2026, he expects gas limit increases not tied to zkEVMs. These changes depend on BALs and ePBS systems.

Between 2026 and 2028, Ethereum plans gas repricing and state structure changes. Execution payloads may move into blobs. These steps aim to keep higher limits safe.

From 2027 to 2030, zkEVMs may become the primary validation path. This phase includes further gas limit increases. It marks a deeper shift in how Ethereum processes blocks.

Buterin said these steps complete Ethereum’s effort to balance decentralization, security, and scalability. He framed the process as gradual and technical. The roadmap reflects measured deployment rather than immediate change.