XRP Ledger Targets EVM Launch in Q2 — Is Ripple Preparing to Connect with Ethereum?

Key Takeaways:

• The XRP Ledger’s EVM sidechain is operational on testnet, with a mainnet launch anticipated in Q2.
• This sidechain introduces Ethereum smart contract compatibility to XRPL, utilizing wrapped XRP as gas.
• XRPL has also broadened its stablecoin ecosystem with EURØP and USDB to enhance regional adoption.

The XRP Ledger is set to introduce an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain in Q2, representing a significant advancement towards Ethereum compatibility.

This development was announced by Ripple CTO David Schwartz during the Apex 2025 event in Singapore, with blockchain company Peersyst playing a key role in the initiative.

The EVM sidechain is intended to merge the XRP Ledger’s cost-effective, high-speed settlement layer with Ethereum’s comprehensive smart contract functionalities.

XRP Ledger’s EVM Sidechain is Live on Testnet

In contrast to Ethereum-native blockchains, the XRP Ledger does not presently support the EVM environment that underpins most decentralized applications.

The new sidechain seeks to address this gap while maintaining XRP’s efficiency. A bridge will connect the sidechain to the XRP Ledger mainnet, with Axelar serving as the exclusive provider for asset transfers.

The one and only @JoelKatz and Ripple’s @jazzicoop announced the XRPL EVM is going live Q2 at Apex featuring some DeFi apps like @StrobeFinance @vertex_protocol, @SecurdLabs and @squidrouter building on it pic.twitter.com/EPhz1JcdiA

— Peersyst Technology (@Peersyst) June 11, 2025

Wrapped XRP will serve as the gas token on the EVM sidechain, facilitating smart contract execution while remaining within the broader XRP ecosystem.

Although the Flare Network already provides an EVM-compatible solution for XRP users, this initiative integrates Ethereum compatibility directly under Ripple’s framework.

In May, the XRP Ledger enhanced its stablecoin offerings with the introduction of two new region-specific assets, including EURØP, a MiCA-compliant euro stablecoin from Schuman Financial, and USDB, a dollar-pegged token issued by Brazil’s Braza Group.

EURØP, which is backed by euros and secured by major institutions such as Societe Generale, represents the first fully MiCA-compliant euro stablecoin on XRPL.

On the other hand, Braza Group’s USDB stablecoin, which is backed by U.S. and Brazilian bonds, provides Brazilian users with a reliable digital asset for payments and hedging.

XRP Faces Backlash as Ripple Aligns With Europe on Digital Euro Project

As reported, entrepreneur and investor Gary Cardone has launched a strong critique of XRP, accusing the digital asset of aligning with centralized governments to maintain its relevance.

His comments come amid ongoing speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) may incorporate the XRP Ledger into its digital euro framework.

While the ECB has not confirmed any formal collaboration with Ripple or its XRP Ledger, rumors have circulated within crypto communities.

Cardone further compared XRP’s impact in finance to a new virus, referring to it as “COVID-19 Part Two in finance.”

He cautioned that ongoing support for the token equates to endorsing “European warmongers,” portraying XRP’s goals as a danger to freedom rather than a progression in financial innovation.

The remarks elicited immediate backlash from the XRP community, which deemed the comments as inflammatory and baseless.

Robert Doyle, known online as Crypto Sensei, countered Cardone’s assertions by stating that “there is no official confirmation” that Ripple technology will be utilized for the digital euro.

He highlighted that, while the ECB is investigating CBDCs, no definitive decision has been reached regarding the technology stack.

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