Gleb Savchenko Accuses Elena Samodanova of “Abduction” of Kids: Court Docs

For her part, Samodanova denied her ex’s claims, asserting Hong Kong is Olivia’s home.

“The statement from Mr. Savchenko’s attorney misrepresents our family’s reality,” she told TMZ July 15. “As Olivia’s primary caregiver, I have raised her every day while Gleb worked full-time on DWTS. Today, Olivia thrives in Hong Kong. She attends a top school and is an elite ballroom dancer.”

“Gleb’s actions directly jeopardize her future, education, and athletic progress. California lacks jurisdiction over our daughter,” Samodanova continued. “Hong Kong is Olivia’s permanent home and legal residency. Ironically, Gleb himself holds a Permanent Resident card there.”

While Savchenko alleged in his filing that Olivia “was able to travel to California to visit” him from June to July, Samodanova claimed the teen “was scheduled to return to Hong Kong on June 5th, but her father wrongfully canceled her ticket without my permission.”

The 43-year-old added, “This is a wrongful international retention.”

Samodanova concluded her statement by claiming her ex’s emergency filing is “a rushed attempt to bypass proper laws,” before 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.”