Though fans of Hayden Panettiere were really hoping she would wind up with her former co-star Milo Ventimiglia, the 'Heroes' star had other plans. Everyone was surprised to see her connect with Wladimir Klitschko in 2009, because the famous boxer seemed like he didn't quite fit in Hayden's social circle.
Yet the two were together for almost two years before splitting due to the challenges of their long-distance romance. After all, Wladimir is from Ukraine, though he's clearly well-traveled because of his career.
Eventually, the pair got back together, in 2013, and were later engaged. The following year, their daughter Kaya was born, though the couple broke up permanently in 2018. It turns out they ended things on good terms, however, and Wladimir appears to have supported Panettiere through later challenges.
In a sad twist, Hayden later revealed she dealt with postpartum depression after her daughter's birth. While Wladimir apparently cared for their daughter, Hayden underwent in-patient treatment twice in the years following their daughter's arrival.
And not long after, Klitschko moved home to Ukraine, with the former couple's toddler daughter in tow.
Why Did Hayden Panettiere's Ex Get Custody?
To most fans, it seemed strange that Hayden Panettiere, arguably the more famous and probably well-heeled of the former couple, would not receive primary custody of her daughter. Yet Wladimir wound up not only with primary custody but was also able to move to Ukraine with little Kaya.
As it turns out, Hayden's ex likely received custody because she wanted him to.
Wladimir Is Reportedly A Hands-On Dad
By all accounts, Wladimir is an excellent dad and was very hands-on from day one with baby Kaya. In an interview when Kaya was three months old, Wladimir spoke to a journalist about various political issues, but also touched on fatherhood.
While Page Six states that Wladimir was "joking" when he said he cut the baby's nails, changed diapers, and gave her baths, "Pretty much playing mother and father at the same time," it sounds a bit like he was already the primary caregiver at the point.
Other publications confirm this perspective, suggesting that Wladimir cared for Kaya while Hayden was undergoing treatment and when she returned to Hollywood afterward. It seems clear enough that Hayden and her ex are amicable and that they're working on co-parenting their daughter together.
Yet fans wonder just how much time Hayden is able to spend with her daughter, seeing as Kaya lives on another continent.
How Often Does Hayden Panettiere See Her Daughter?
Though it's unclear from any of Hayden's statements exactly how often she visits her daughter, there are a few hints. For one thing, a lawyer for Panettiere was quoted as saying that their client sees Kaya "regularly."
However, some suspect that Hayden has seen her daughter somewhat less regularly during her reportedly tumultuous relationship with on-again-off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson. This stems from claims "sources" have made regarding Wladimir's perception of Hickerson.
After he was cited for a domestic incident involving Hayden, though she reportedly refused to press charges, sources suggest that Brian was basically banned from tagging along on Hayden's visits to Kaya.
Wladimir reportedly didn't want Brian around Kaya and put his foot down with regard to Hayden's wishes. Does that mean Hayden sees her daughter less when she's with Brian?
Sources Allege That Hayden Doesn't See Kaya Often
Though it's pure speculation at this point, multiple sources suggest that Hayden doesn't go see her daughter very often. Yet other sources say that Wladimir travels around Europe often with his daughter, and that they also venture to Florida on occasion.
Since Hayden has apparently lived in both California and Tennessee over the past few years, it makes sense that the trio is happy to travel to see one another. But infrequent confirmation via Hayden's social media often gets people talking and speculating over whether she's in touch with her little girl.
For whatever it's worth, Wladimir doesn't post photos of the couple's daughter on his social media, either.
Clearly, a lack of social media photos doesn't mean Panettiere isn't parenting more often than she was previously. After all, both parents can afford extensive travel, and most celebrity kids are globe trotters these days, too.
All of that to say, Hayden probably sees her daughter more than people would expect, and despite her relationship troubles, it seems that she and Kaya's dad have a strong respect for one another and are committed to raising their daughter in the healthiest way possible.
Even if that means her parents are living on separate continents.