Savchenko fights for daughter as ex-wife relocates to Hong Kong

Gleb Savchenko, the *Dancing With the Stars* pro, filed an emergency petition in Los Angeles in July 2026 demanding temporary sole legal and physical custody of his 11‑year‑old daughter Olivia.

The request comes after ex‑wife Elena Samodanova relocated their children to Hong Kong, where she has held permanent residency and enrolled them in private schooling.

Savchenko’s filing cites a joint custody agreement signed in 2023 that required Samodanova to return the girls to the United States by June 30, 2024 – a she allegedly missed.

He further accuses her of taking younger daughter Zlata to Russia without consent earlier in 2026, prompting an international child‑abduction petition under the Hague Convention.

The dispute has now moved between California and Hong Kong courts, with both parents fighting for control over their daughters’ upbringing and education.

## Background & Context

Savchenko and Samodanova married in 2006 and divorced in October 2021 after 14 years of marriage. Court records show they settled on joint legal and physical custody of their two daughters, Olivia and Zlata. No spousal support was requested, and the divorce judgment awarded Samodanova ownership of the couple’s Los Angeles dance studio.

In 2024, Samodanova moved to Hong Kong with the girls, .” Savchenko remained in Los Angeles to film *DWTS*, noting in a July 2024 interview that he tried to stay connected despite the distance and even took the girls on a three‑week trip to Thailand during Christmas.

During that interview, Savchenko praised Samodanova’s parenting, saying, “She is a great mom and she loves her girls. She does so much for them.” The comments came as their co‑parenting arrangement began to shift more dramatically.

## Current Custody Battle

In July 2026, Savchenko filed an emergency order in the Los Angeles Superior Court seeking sole custody of Olivia and permission to enroll her in a local high school.

He alleged that Samodanova had agreed on June 29, 2023 to relocate the children to Hong Kong for one year and return by June 30, 2024 – a promise she allegedly failed to honor.

Savchenko’s petition further accuses Samodanova of taking Zlata to Russia without his consent earlier that year. He claims the trip occurred while Zlata was receiving a notice of the ex‑part filing, and that Zlata arrived in Moscow for a funeral. The pro has reportedly filed a Hague petition seeking Zlata’s return from Russia.

Samodanova issued a statement rejecting Savchenko’s allegations. She asserted that Olivia is her primary caregiver and attends a top school in Hong Kong, where she “thrives” as an elite ballroom dancer.

She also argued that California lacks jurisdiction because Olivia’s permanent home and legal residency are in Hong Kong, noting that Savchenko himself holds a Hong Kong Permanent Resident card.

In August 2026, Samodanova filed a declaration with the California Superior Court requesting Olivia be returned to Hong Kong. She claimed Olivia had arrived in Los Angeles on May 29 and was scheduled to fly home on July 9, but that Savchenko canceled the ticket without warning.

She also filed a separate “request for return of child” petition with Hong Kong’s Department of Justice, which has been referred to the California District Attorney’s office.

Savchenko moved to dismiss Samodanova’s objection as untimely and inconsistent, prompting a hearing on his emergency custody request set for August 18, 2026.

## Analysis

The case highlights the complexities of international child custody when parents hold residency in multiple jurisdictions. Under U.S. law, courts consider the best interests of the child, but the Hague Convention adds layers when one parent relocates abroad.

Savchenko’s claim that Samodanova obtained permanent residency in Hong Kong could undermine her argument that California lacks jurisdiction, yet his possession of a Hong Kong Permanent Resident card raises questions about which legal system ultimately governs custody.

Both parents have presented strong narratives: Savchenko emphasizes the original agreement and the alleged breach, while Samodanova stresses her role as primary caregiver and the children’s thriving situation in Hong Kong.

The impending hearing will likely focus on travel history, compliance with the 2023 agreement, and whether either parent has violated any statutory or international obligations.

The dispute may set precedent for other high‑profile divorces involving cross‑border custody. If Samodanova’s request to return Olivia to Hong Kong is upheld, it could reinforce the primacy of the child’s current residency.

Conversely, a ruling in favor of Savchenko might emphasize adherence to pre‑existing agreements, even when those agreements are breached by one party.

Both parents have expressed willingness to resolve matters amicably, but the legal filings suggest a hardened stance on each side. The court’s decision on August 18 will be closely watched by families navigating similar international custody challenges.

In the weeks ahead, observers will monitor whether California and Hong Kong courts reach a mutual agreement or if the case escalates to higher authorities. The outcome will clarify how U.S. courts weigh international residency and the enforcement of cross‑border custody agreements.