This could be anything from a midlife crisis to mental illness. You expressed fears that he could fight for custody? Well, nothing creates distance like distance. I would make him come to your country to visit, I would not go there. Also, I wouldn’t force a divorce yet because things could come to a head with custody. Maybe when she’s a teenager she could go to school where he is and have a relationship with him (when he is much less likely to go after full custody and when she’s old enough to fly home if she wants to!).

Some men are like this. You think everything’s fine and then they drop a bomb. I’m sorry you went through this. At least you have your daughter! He could also just as easily change his mind, so be wary!