How is it possible to maintain ties of kinship with relatives who show no desire to communicate, and there are fears of misunderstanding the motives for doing so? Is supplication alone sufficient for this?

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, encouraged maintaining ties of kinship even with those who sever them. The one who truly maintains kinship ties is he who connects with his relatives when they cut him off, not he who merely reciprocates. A Muslim should continuously uphold ties of kinship seeking Allah's pleasure. He should not be deterred by the opinions of others or the uncommonness of kinship ties within the family. Rather, he should be keen on maintaining kinship ties and inviting others to do so. Maintaining kinship ties is not achieved by supplication alone; its lowest degree is abandoning estrangement, even if only by greeting. Kinship ties have various degrees, some of which are obligatory and some are recommended. However, if maintaining ties with certain relatives results in definite harm or injury, then maintaining ties with them is not obligatory in that specific case.