The Intense International Custody Battle Between Dancing With the Stars' Gleb Savchenko and Ex-Wife Elena Samodanova: A Detailed Overview

In an unexpected turn of events, Dancing With the Stars pro, Gleb Savchenko, and his ex-wife, Elena Samodanova, are embroiled in a high-stakes custody battle that has spanned across the globe. The former power couple, who parted ways in 2020 after 14 years of marriage and officially divorced in October 2021, share two beautiful daughters - Olivia and Zlata. The divorce settlement was finalized in October 2021, according to court documents. Neither party sought spousal support, and they agreed to joint legal and physical custody of their daughters. Samodanova also retained ownership of Pro Dance L.A., the studio she previously co-owned with Savchenko. He agreed to pay her a lump sum upon the sale of their former Los Angeles family home. "My primary focus at present, and always will be, my daughters, and ensuring this divorce has as little impact on them as possible," Savchenko shared with Us in a statement at the time. "Elena and I agreed to work together to end the marriage with grace and maintain an amicable relationship." However, by 2024, the dynamics of their co-parenting arrangement drastically changed when Samodanova relocated to Hong Kong with the girls. Savchenko, who continues to reside in Los Angeles for his DWTS commitments, has found maintaining a connection challenging due to the vast time difference. In July 2024, Savchenko exclusively told Us that he had managed to visit during Christmas and took the girls on a three-week trip to Thailand. He commended Samodanova's parenting skills, stating, "I believe my ex-wife... [is] a wonderful mother who does so much for her children." In July 2026, Savchenko filed an emergency order in Los Angeles seeking temporary sole legal and physical custody of Olivia, as well as permission to enroll her in a Los Angeles-area high school. He alleged that Samodanova had agreed to return the girls from Hong Kong to the United States by June 30, 2024, but failed to do so. Savchenko claimed that Samodanova had violated their agreement by moving permanently to Hong Kong, enrolling the children in an expensive private school, getting engaged, and having another child with her fiancé. He also accused her of taking Zlata to Russia without his consent earlier in 2026, citing concerns over her safety given the ongoing conflict in the country. Samodanova vehemently rejected Savchenko's characterization, stating, "The statement from Mr. Savchenko's attorney completely misrepresents our family's reality." She argued that California lacks jurisdiction and that Hong Kong is Olivia's permanent home and legal residency. Samodanova also pointed out that Savchenko holds a Hong Kong Permanent Resident card, further claiming that Olivia was scheduled to return on June 5, 2026, but Savchenko canceled her ticket without warning. Samodanova filed a declaration with a California Superior Court in August 2026, seeking to have Olivia return to Hong Kong. She stated that Olivia arrived in Los Angeles on May 29, 2026, and was supposed to fly home July 9, 2026, but now has "no direct telephone contact" with her mother. In addition, Samodanova 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 subsequently asked the court to dismiss Samodanova's objection as untimely and inconsistent. A hearing on his emergency custody request is scheduled for August 18, 2026. This riveting story was compiled with the aid of AI tools and edited by journalists to ensure accuracy and engaging content. Stay tuned for more updates as this custody battle unfolds.