Published 5 days ago • loading... • Updated 5 days ago

Federal Way officials help Ukrainian woman visit mother before her death

Federal Way resident Iryna Kornychuk secured support letters from Mayor Jim Ferrell, State Rep. Kristine Reeves, and the Ukraine Association to visit her dying mother in Ukraine. The response arrived in one day.
Kornychuk fears separation from her family in the United States due to the Trump administration's freeze on the Uniting for Ukraine program. Processing for the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal has been paused since December 2, 2025.
Community leader Vitaliy Piekhotin noted that letters from Mayor Ferrell have previously helped him pass military checkpoints in Ukraine. Many Federal Way residents remain stuck in limbo awaiting document renewals amid shifting immigration policies.
With a son on the front lines, Iryna remains scared of being separated from her family in the United States. Despite these challenges, she said she is "so grateful for American people" for their everyday support.
While Federal Way maintains a sister city relationship with Rivne, Ukraine, a recent ordinance prevents raising cultural flags at Federal Way City Hall. The restriction limits visible community support for those affected by the ongoing war.

Insights by Ground AI

13 Articles

Auburn Reporter

+12 Reposted by 12 other sources

Center

Federal Way officials help Ukrainian woman visit mother before her death

When Iryna Kornychuk learned that her mother had cancer and didn’t have much time, she wasn’t sure if she would be able to return to the United States if she traveled to Ukraine to see her for a last visit.

5 days ago·Auburn, United States

Read Full Article

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/year