Savchenko fires back after ex-wife seeks 15‑year‑old Olivia in China

A California court filing on August 7 saw 41‑year‑old Elena Samodanova request that her 15‑year‑old daughter Olivia be returned to China. The filing also asks the court to block Olivia’s enrollment in a Los Angeles high school and seeks assistance locating both the child and her father, Gleb Savchenko, 42.

Savchenko, a “Dancing With the Stars” professional dancer, has responded with legal arguments that his ex‑wife has failed to meet procedural deadlines and has filed conflicting versions of her objection.

Samodanova’s petition notes that Olivia arrived in Los Angeles on May 29 and was expected to return home in early July. The document includes an email exchange where Savchenko apparently agreed that Olivia would fly back on July 9 after attending a “Dancing With the Stars pro viewing event” on July 8, yet Olivia never returned.

Samodanova also presents text messages from late July in which she reports that Olivia’s Hong Kong phone number has been shut off and repeatedly asks for her new contact details.

In addition to the request for a child return order, Samodanova’s filing cites a separate petition she filed with the Central Authority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a division of Hong Kong’s Department of Justice.

Correspondence with a DOJ representative indicates that the case has been “referred to the California District Attorney’s office for processing.” The representative added that “once the Father and the Child have been located, the USCA will be able to determine the next legal steps.”

## Background & Context

Savchenko and Samodanova were married for fourteen years before separating in 2020 and finalizing their divorce in October 2021. The couple has two daughters: Olivia, now 15, and Zlata, 9. During the divorce, both parents agreed to share custody and co‑parent the children.

A June 29, 2023 agreement permitted Samodanova to move with the children to Hong Kong temporarily, with a planned return after June 30, 2024.

, Samodanova “wrongfully kept our children in Hong Kong for several years” and obtained permanent residency there. He claims she enrolled the children in a private school, acquired a pet cat, became engaged, and had another child with her fiancé—all actions allegedly undertaken without his permission.

Savchenko contends that these moves have effectively established a new life for the family in Hong Kong.

Samodanova counters that she opposes all requests made by Savchenko.

She states, “I do not consent to a modification of current orders, a change of custody or the enrollment of our daughter Olivia in a California school.” The dispute thus centers on whether the children should remain in the United States or be returned to Hong Kong under the terms originally agreed upon.

## What Happened

The August 7 filing, filed with a California Superior Court judge, includes an apparent email exchange between Savchenko and Samodanova dated July 8.

In that exchange, Savchenko seemingly agrees that Olivia will depart for China on July 9 after attending a “Dancing With the Stars pro viewing event.” However, Olivia did not return to Hong Kong. The petition also presents text messages from July 9 in which Savchenko writes, “I have shared your requests with Olivia each time you’ve asked.

She has told me that she has been in contact with you through Instagram messages and is aware that you would like her phone number. At this time, she has chosen not to provide it, and I am respecting her wishes.”

Samodanova’s documents further detail her attempts to locate Olivia. She notes, “I have no direct telephone contact with Olivia and communicate with her only through Instagram messages.

I do not know Olivia’s current residential address.” Her petition also requests that the court prevent Savchenko from enrolling Olivia in a Los Angeles high school, .

In early July, Savchenko filed an emergency order with a Los Angeles court seeking to change the custody arrangement.

His lawyers asked that he be granted temporary sole legal and physical custody of Olivia “so she can remain in California in his care as she desires,” and for permission to enroll her in a high school in Los Angeles County.

Samodanova’s objection, filed on August 7, disputes these requests and insists that the children remain in Hong Kong.

## Legal Developments

On Monday, August 10, Savchenko’s attorneys filed a motion to dismiss Samodanova’s objection. They cited the California Code of Civil Procedure, which requires that papers opposing a motion be filed and served at least nine court days before the hearing.

The lawyers argue that Samodanova failed to meet this because her objection was not served until August 8, leaving Savchenko with only six days’ notice before the scheduled August 18 custody hearing.

The motion also accuses Samodanova of filing multiple versions of her objection over several dates.

Savchenko’s counsel alleges that the documents were “notably different and conflict as well as being untimely filed and served.” They respectfully request that the court strike or decline to consider Samodanova’s request to have Olivia returned to Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the DOJ representative in Hong Kong has forwarded Samodanova’s case to the California District Attorney’s office.

The representative indicated that “once the Father and the Child have been located, the USCA will be able to determine the next legal steps,” suggesting that law enforcement may become involved if the children cannot be found.

The next hearing on the custody matter is set for August 18. Both parties remain at odds over the exact timing and content of Samodanova’s filing, with Savchenko’s attorneys emphasizing procedural grounds while Samodanova insists on a return to Hong Kong and protection of her parental rights.

The legal dispute underscores the complexities that arise when international custody agreements intersect with domestic court procedures. As the case proceeds, the outcome will hinge on whether the court accepts the procedural arguments and how it interprets the earlier custody arrangements between the parties.