Ripple’s XRP is gaining attention this week following the official introduction of its highly anticipated EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) sidechain on the mainnet. This upgrade enables Ethereum-compatible smart contracts to run directly on the XRP Ledger, greatly enhancing Ripple’s ecosystem by allowing faster, cheaper decentralized applications (dApps), bridges, wallets, and other blockchain tools. This milestone marks a significant step forward for Ripple, potentially attracting more developers and users to the network, while also boosting XRP’s utility and adoption.

Currently, XRP is trading around $2.20 to $2.23, hovering just below a critical resistance zone. Over the past 12 hours, XRP briefly surpassed the $2.20 mark and is now trying to maintain momentum above this level. Although the buying pressure has not yet intensified strongly, technical charts suggest XRP could be setting up for a notable upward move. Should buyers manage to push the price above $2.21 and hold it there, it may trigger a swift rally toward the next immediate target of $2.25. Beyond this, XRP could test resistance levels near $2.31 to $2.35.

On the downside, XRP has solid support between $2.14 and $2.10, providing a buffer against any sudden downward movement. A more robust support level lies near $1.95, which could serve as a safety net if market sentiment deteriorates further. These support zones are crucial to watch as they may determine whether XRP’s price can sustain upward momentum or face additional selling pressure.

Crypto analyst Casi Trades has expressed optimism about XRP’s breakout potential but stresses the importance of the $2.25 support level. According to Casi, the price action towards $2.30 looks promising, but it remains essential for XRP to hold the $2.25 mark after any pullback to confirm the breakout’s legitimacy. Technical momentum indicators, including the Relative Strength Index (RSI), remain strong, showing no signs of bearish divergence or weakening buying pressure on lower timeframes. This technical strength suggests that the recent price moves are supported by genuine market demand rather than speculative hype.

If XRP can sustain support at $2.25, the path toward higher targets becomes clearer, with analysts eyeing $2.69 and $3.04 as the next major resistance levels. Surpassing these zones could open the door for an extended rally, potentially leading XRP into what traders call “blue skies,” a phase characterized by minimal overhead resistance and strong upward momentum. Casi Trades summed it up, stating, “Breakout season is just getting started,” signaling the possibility of further bullish moves in the near term.

While the EVM sidechain introduction has added significant fundamental value to Ripple’s long-term vision, it has yet to ignite a dramatic price surge. The market is likely digesting the news as traders and investors assess the broader implications of this upgrade. The new functionality positions Ripple more competitively alongside other smart contract platforms, especially Ethereum, by offering compatibility that can attract developers seeking faster and more cost-effective solutions.

In addition to technological advancements, XRP’s price performance is being closely monitored in the context of ongoing legal developments, particularly the Ripple-SEC lawsuit, which has significant implications for regulatory clarity in the crypto space. Key upcoming dates related to this case may influence market sentiment and could act as catalysts for price movements.

In conclusion, Ripple’s XRP is poised at a critical juncture following the introduction of its EVM sidechain. Technical indicators and analyst insights suggest that if XRP can hold above the $2.25 support level, a rally toward $2.69 and potentially $3.04 is within reach. This upgrade not only enhances XRP’s ecosystem but also strengthens Ripple’s strategic position in the competitive landscape of smart contract platforms. While immediate price spikes remain tentative, the foundation is laid for potential sustained growth as the market continues to react positively to these developments.