Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has declined to comment publicly on the Russian attack on Ukraine. A spokesperson said on Thursday that a public statement was not planned, but added that Merkel was following the developments with great sympathy. One of the most powerful leaders in Germany’s post-war history and a major player on the European and global stage, Merkel left her role as chancellor last year after 16 years in power. She had a complex relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin that was deeply strained by the conflict in Ukraine, the poisoning of Russian dissident Alex…