“Dancing with the Stars” professional Gleb Savchenko has submitted new evidence in his ongoing child custody dispute with ex-wife Elena Samodanova, claiming screenshots support his allegation that she traveled to Moscow, Russia, with their younger daughter Zlata without his knowledge or permission. The latest developments were first reported by TMZ.
Gleb Savchenko submits screenshots as part of custody case
According to court documents cited by TMZ, Savchenko included screenshots that he says show Samodanova’s phone location in Moscow along with a WhatsApp conversation involving his legal team. The messages allegedly indicate that Samodanova traveled to Russia to attend a family funeral and that Zlata accompanied her.
Savchenko states in his court declaration that he never consented to the international trip and claims he would have opposed his daughter traveling to what he describes as a conflict-affected region. He also alleges that his ex-wife has repeatedly made significant parenting decisions without consulting him.
The filing follows Savchenko’s request for an emergency custody order. He previously claimed that Samodanova has kept both daughters, Olivia and Zlata, in Hong Kong since 2023 and has also filed a petition under the Hague Convention, seeking Zlata’s return.
Elena Samodanova disputes the allegations
Samodanova has rejected Savchenko’s claims, telling TMZ that Hong Kong is Olivia’s legal home. She further alleged that Savchenko prevented Olivia from returning by canceling her flight to Hong Kong.
In a statement shared with TMZ, Samodanova said:
“His emergency filing is a rushed attempt to bypass proper laws. I am asking the court to halt temporary orders and grant a continuance so my counsel can present Olivia’s permanent records through the correct legal channels.”
The court has ordered both parties to attend mediation on August 5, with a formal custody hearing expected later in the month as the legal dispute continues.
