Espresso, a decentralized rollup base layer, launched its native ESP token this morning at a valuation of roughly $275 million following its token airdrop and distribution.

The token debuted at $0.072 before jumping up to $0.083 shortly after its launch and has reported $115 million in trading volume over its first 7 hours across CoinGecko-tracked platforms.

The protocol is designed to support rollups and appchains with everything they need from a base layer to ensure high performance, including finality, data availability, and real-time interoperability.

Today’s ESP token launch enables the network to transition to proof-of-stake, and the protocol has distributed 10% of the token supply in an airdrop to more than one million eligible addresses.

There was also a Kaito Launchpad sale in July 2025, which sold 1% of the supply at a $400 million valuation, leaving launchpad investors with a 31% loss at current prices.

The ESP token is the latest in a line of ICOs and token sales that are opening underwater, with Infinex and Aztec being two other recent examples.

Coinbase (COIN) missed fourth-quarter earnings forecasts on Thursday, thanks to weaker trading activity and lower crypto asset prices.

The U.S.-based crypto exchange posted total revenue of $1.78 billion against estimates for $1.83 billion. Adjusted EPS of $0.66 was well lower than the consensus $0.86.

Total transaction revenue of $983 million was below forecasts for $1.02 billion and down from $1.046 billion in the third quarter and $1.556 billion in the fourth quarter one year ago.

Subscription revenue of $727.4 million was down from $746.7 million the previous quarter and up from $641.1 million a year earlier.

Through Feb. 10 of the first quarter, the company saw transaction revenue of about $420 million. It guided to full-quarter subscription revenue of $550-$630 million.

“We continue to be optimistic about the long-term trajectory of the crypto industry,” Coinbase said. “Crypto is cyclical, and experience tells us it’s never as good, or as bad as it seems. While asset prices can be volatile, under the surface an undercurrent of technological change and crypto product adoption continues.”

Shares are modestly higher in after-hours trading, but fell 7.9% during the regular session, extending year-to-date declines to 40%.

TLDR

• Vitalik Buterin condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it criminal aggression and not a situation of equal fault.
• He argued that lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe can only be achieved through internal change within Russia.
• Buterin proposed that decentralized governance could be the key to reforming Russia’s political system.
• He highlighted tools like quadratic voting and zero-knowledge systems as potential solutions for improving decision-making.
• Buterin emphasized the importance of involving more people in governance through platforms like pol.is to find societal compromises.

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, shared his views on Russia’s future in a post published on February 12. In the post, originally written in Russian, Buterin called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “criminal aggression.” He emphasized the need for structural reform within Russia to achieve long-term peace and security, advocating for a decentralized governance model.

Buterin Criticizes Russia’s War and Calls for Internal Change

In his recent post, Vitalik Buterin condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, labeling it as “criminal aggression.” He strongly rejected the idea that both sides are equally at fault, which some have argued. Buterin clarified that peace in Europe and Ukraine could not be achieved through a simple ceasefire alone.

He suggested that the best path to stability in the region involves internal change within Russia itself. For Russia to secure lasting peace, Buterin proposed significant structural reforms. These reforms, according to him, should focus on decentralizing governance, moving away from centralized power.

Vitalik Buterin Advocates for Decentralized Governance

Vitalik Buterin emphasized the potential of decentralized governance to transform Russia. He mentioned specific tools that could help in building a new system, such as quadratic voting and zero-knowledge (ZK) systems. These tools, Buterin argued, could allow large groups of people to find common ground without relying on a small elite.

The Ethereum co-founder believes that decentralized governance could be key to building a more transparent and fair system. In his post, he also referenced platforms like pol.is, which allow for broader participation in decision-making. These digital tools, Buterin suggested, could provide a way for citizens to directly engage with governance.

New Leadership and Ideas for Russia’s Future

Buterin also discussed the importance of new leadership in Russia, highlighting the need for fresh ideas. He stressed that the Russian opposition should focus on involving more people in decision-making. This approach would help avoid the concentration of power in the hands of a few.

He pointed out that using platforms for online voting and discussions could allow people to reach societal compromises. These compromises could then be turned into official policies without the need for intermediaries. According to Buterin, achieving consensus in this manner is crucial for Russia’s long-term stability.

TLDR

• ETHZilla has launched a tokenized investment opportunity in leased jet engines through its subsidiary ETHZilla Aerospace.
• The company acquired two CFM56 commercial jet engines worth $12.2 million and is offering equity in these assets via the Eurus Aero Token I.
• The tokens, available to accredited investors, are priced at $100 each, with a minimum investment of 10 tokens.
• ETHZilla aims to provide a targeted return of 11% for token holders if they hold through the lease term, ending in 2028.
• Cash flows from the leased engines will be distributed monthly to token holders via blockchain technology.

ETHZilla has expanded its operations into the tokenization sector, launching a new project focused on jet engine leases. The company, through its new subsidiary ETHZilla Aerospace, is offering tokenized equity in jet engines it recently acquired. This move comes as ETHZilla seeks to diversify its investments amid Ethereum prices continuing to decline.

ETHZilla Introduces Tokenized Engine Leases on Arbitrum

ETHZilla’s new venture centers around tokenizing a $12.2 million investment in two leased CFM56 commercial jet engines. These engines are leased to a major U.S. airline, though the company has not disclosed the airline’s identity due to confidentiality concerns. By launching the Eurus Aero Token I on the Arbitrum layer-2 network, ETHZilla offers tokenized equity in the engines, allowing investors to participate in this emerging market.

ETHZilla CEO McAndrew Rudisill commented on the project, stating, “Offering a token backed by engines leased to one of the largest and most profitable U.S. airlines serves as a strong use case in applying blockchain infrastructure to aviation assets with contracted cash flows.” The company believes that this move will help modernize fractional ownership of aviation assets, a market traditionally dominated by institutional investors and private equity firms.

Token Sale Details and Project Goals

The Eurus Aero Token I, available to accredited investors, will be sold through Liquidity.io’s token marketplace. Each token is priced at $100, with a minimum investment of $1,000, or 10 tokens. The project aims to offer a return of approximately 11% if token holders hold until the lease agreements conclude in 2028. However, a disclaimer notes that actual returns could differ based on various factors.

Cash flows from the leased engines will be distributed monthly to token holders through the blockchain. ETHZilla has structured the tokens with collateral consisting of the engines, related lease receivables, insurance proceeds, and other reserves. The company’s tokenization model ensures transparency and on-chain distribution, making it accessible to a broader group of investors.

ETHZilla’s expansion into tokenized aviation assets is part of a broader effort to pivot from its Ethereum holdings. The firm recently revealed a $250 million share buyback program, following a drop in the company’s market cap. ETHZilla’s share price has seen fluctuations, including a significant drop in recent months.

BitGo Holdings and 21Shares said Thursday they have expanded their existing partnership to include custody and staking services supporting 21Shares’ crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) for investors in the United States and Europe.

Under the agreement, BitGo will deliver qualified custody, trading and execution services and integrated staking infrastructure for 21Shares’ US exchange-traded funds and global ETPs. The arrangement also provides 21Shares with access to liquidity across electronic and over-the-counter markets, according to the announcement.

BitGo said the services will be delivered through its regulated entities in the US and Europe, including its federally chartered trust bank approved by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and its MiCA-licensed operations authorized by Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority.