Which actions are part of the dissolution process of an iconic solute in water?

Answer is: The ions in the solute separate from each other.

For example, dissociation of potassium iodide in water:  

KI(aq) → K⁺(aq) + I⁻(aq).

Solvation is the interaction of solvent (water) with molecules or ions (in this example K⁺ and I⁻) in a solute.  

Anion I⁻ has negative charge, so positive end (hydrogen atoms) of a water molecul attracts them.

Molar solubility is the number of moles that are dissolved in 1 L solution. 
when BaF₂ dissolves it dissociates into the following ions
BaF₂ --> Ba²⁺ + 2F⁻
if the molar solubility of BaF₂ is X, then molar solubility of Ba²⁺ is X and F⁻ is 2x
then the formula for the solubility product constant -ksp is;
ksp = [Ba²⁺][F⁻]²
ksp = X * (2X)²
ksp = 4X³
since ksp = 1.7 x 10⁻⁶
4X³ = 1.7 x 10⁻⁶
X = 0.0075 M
molar solubility of BaF₂ is 0.0075 M